Weaving Our Webb One Day At A Time

The Job Hunt

2011-03-03T20:00:00.002-05:00

I have been unemployed for one year. Luckily, it has been my decision to be unemployed for a year, until now. Now, I'm ready to get back to work, feel the satisfaction of earning a paycheck, and wear my cute heels everyday. As I am in the midst of searching for job openings, revising my resume and preparing for interviews, I thought I would share a few thoughts that go through my head on a seemingly regular basis.

I HATE looking for a job - probably the consensus of most people. The process requires patience, something I don't have, yet have been praying for a lot lately.

I think cover letters are dumb and a waste of time. I know they are "necessary" and required for most of the jobs I am applying for, but still, dumb. While their purpose is to help the employer understand why I, the prospective employee, applied for the job and help decide if they should spend any more time looking at my resume, it seems like a waste of time on both our parts. Instead of summarizing my entire resume in a completely unique and personalized letter to you and your company, just read my resume and decide if I'm worth an interview. If letter-writing skills are a make-or-break kinda thing for the job, then check out my handwritten thank-you note on my super cute stationary that you'll be getting after the interview. Booya.

I will never understand the purpose of including an "objective" at the top of my resume. My objective is and always will be to get the stinkin' job! That's why I'm applying for it! I guess I could put "to successfully obtain employment at _____ company." That sounds a little nicer than GIVE ME THE JOB! It seems the only thing an objective really does is shorten the already limited space I have as I try to fit everything on one page.

Please put the salary range on the job posting. I know what I'm looking for and you know what you can afford.

Dating

2011-01-02T01:01:00.003-05:00

I hate dating. Let me rephrase that. I hated dating. That's one of the reasons why I love being married, I don't have to date anymore. The awkwardness of being asked out, the torture of making small-talk and "getting to know each other", sitting around waiting and wondering when you are going to hear from them again, wondering if you should initiate contact this time, should you call or text or maybe email, not knowing what the other person is thinking or feeling about you and the relationship, wondering if it's even really a relationship yet, having to have "the talk" about whether you're exclusive or not, ugh, just all of it, I hated it. And here I am, back in the "dating" scene.

Have you ever noticed how making new friends is kind of like dating? Do you ever remember saying, "Oh, I want a boyfriend/girlfriend soooo bad"? Well, that's like me and friends here in Washington. I want new (local) friends soooo bad. I've been on a couple of "dates" with some prospective friends, we've done the awkward get-to-know-you-chit-chat, but it's to the point now where I am wondering if they like me. Do they want to be my friend? And how do we take it to the next level, beyond the weather and our husbands' work schedules? Since when did making friends become so difficult?

I feel like friendships in the Army change depending on the season. They go to a whole new level if both the spouses are deployed at the same time. The friendships tend to go into a "lull" or just put on hold momentarily when the husbands come home, and understandably so. Right now, thankfully all of our husbands are home at the moment, so maybe that's why the friendships are going a little slow right now. It's just tough being so far away from friends and family....the comfortableness (is that a word?) of it all. I am so anxious to get back to a new "normal" that I sometimes I can't even enjoy this season of our life. If we make new friends here, maybe we won't be quite so homesick. Maybe so, but instead of hoping and wondering and wishing, I'm going to try to relish in this newness and just take it one day at a time.

Or I'm at least going to try!

Christmas Cards!!

2010-12-07T15:36:00.005-05:00

I couldn't pass up the great promotion that Shutterfly is doing this year. They are offering 50 FREE Christmas cards if you write a post on your blog about the promotion and fill out a quick and simple form found here. I am always up for free stuff, especially when it's as easy as this! Just look at how cute and varied their designs are...there really is something for everyone's style.

My family has been using Shutterfly for years as a way to share pictures. They always have great quality prints when you order them from the site and their site is super user-friendly! Not only do they have super cute designs for all holidays and themes, and they offer tons of products you can personalize for gifts. One of Johnny's favorite Christmas gifts he received while he in Iraq was a calendar that I made filled with pictures from home. I was even able to personalize a specific date with a picture....it couldn't have been easier for him to tell when everyone's birthday was because their face was right there in the date box!

Our Christmas cards this year are a combination of "Merry Christmas" and "We've Moved"...might as well kill two birds with one stone, ya know?!! Shutterfly is always my first stop when I need cards or a personalized product, so this promotion was a no-brainer for me...I knew it would be easy to talk about how great they are!

If you have a blog, take advantage of this! It's a great way to save some money this holiday season!!

Cross Country Trip

2010-10-29T01:10:00.005-04:00

13 days

15 states

4,100 miles

2,500 pictures

Our cross-country trip was a success! We saw more corn fields and cows than I care to remember and stayed in some very shady "hotels", but we had a blast and saw some amazing sights and made so many awesome memories. It has been non-stop since we rolled into Washington. We spent 4 long days looking for a house and have been unpacking and trying to get organized ever since. I came down with a wicked case of bronchitis on move-in day that has kept me in bed for about a week now. I'm finally starting to feel better, thank goodness! Once I get through all of our pictures, I'll take you through our trip state by state. So stay tuned!

Yay!

2010-10-21T12:15:00.001-04:00

We're here!

The movers are here!

I can see Mt. Ranier from my new house!!

I Love Fonts

2010-10-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

That's right....I said it. I. Love. Fonts.

I have always loved writing different fonts and creating "To-Do Lists" on the computer in fun fonts. Somehow "Dust the downstairs" always seems so much more fun when it's written in the "Gigi" font. It's like magic! I also love "Rage Italic"....that's what my name was written in in my signature block on work emails and "Tekton Pro" is one that I try to use as often as possible. Even in college we would study fonts in a few of my advertising classes....serif fonts...sans serif fonts...which ones are appropriate for headers in an advertisement...which ones are best for the text in the body of an ad. I think my professor actually said he would fail us if we used "Comic Sans". That sure is one font that gets a lot of hating...I'm surprised it's still in existence!

Did you know that you can download even more fun fonts for free from various online sites?! The possibilities are endless friends! THIS is my favorite site for free fonts....and recipes....and camera tutorials....and scrapbooking inspiration, etc., etc. Her site is just all around awesome!

Here is one of my favorite videos of all times. If you enjoy fonts and are familiar with a few of them, then hopefully you will get a kick out of this as well!

Watch Font Conference and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

Photo Shoot

2010-10-09T09:45:00.001-04:00

Last year, I think maybe even during R&R, we got to spend the morning with our good friends Matt & Erin. Erin, at the time, had just started up her new photography business and generously did a mini-photo shoot for us. She is incredibly talented and her business has completely taken off! Check out her website and her blog to see snapshots of all her recent clients. Here are a few of the shots she got of us in downtown Bluffton.

Obsessed

2010-10-06T12:03:00.001-04:00

They are salt cellars. Do you know about these precious little things?

A salt cellar is a vessel, usually small and made of glass or silver, used on the table for holding salt. The use of salt cellars continued through the 1940s but has been in decline since, gradually replaced by salt shakers (ha, BORING!). During the Middle Ages, when salt was a valuable commodity, salt would be kept on the table in elaborate metal or glass dishes as a status symbol. Being granted the favor of sharing the salt cellar of the host was seen as a sign of great respect. (thank you Wikipedia)

Good news, if you ever come over to my house for a meal I will grant you the favor of sharing my salt. You are welcome!

Crisp Air + Orange Leaves = Everything Pumpkin Please

2010-10-01T13:41:00.000-04:00

I was never very good at math. Nonetheless, I know I'm not the only one who is craving anything pumpkin related right about now. I know we technically already had the first day of fall, but I was in Florida and something about 80 degree weather just didn't scream FALL to me, not sure, maybe it's just me.

Check out THIS POST from last year to get two of my most favorite pumpkin recipes. Holla back with your favorites please!!

Check It Out

2010-09-29T13:29:00.000-04:00

I was first introduced to this guy named Pastor Ryan on the Pioneer Woman's blog. After following his blog for awhile, I've learned that he is a Jesus-loving, tatoo-covered pastor who is incredible in the kitchen and behind a camera. He did a post on some money saving tips in the kitchen and I thought it would be worthwhile to re-post a link so y'all could check it out too!

http://www.thisisreverb.com/2009/11/food-week-gormet-on-the-cheap.html

A Life Update Through Pictures

2010-09-27T22:25:00.009-04:00

My man is currently doing this...

I am currently learning how to ~~not completely suck at~~ play this game…

We leave in 5 days for this....

So that we can live here....

pictures from here and here

To Blog or Not To Blog

2010-09-17T20:57:00.003-04:00

As of lately, it would be the latter. Clearly.

Would you believe me if I said I've thought about this blog every day that I haven't written? What if I told you I literally lay in bed at night thinking up blog post ideas? You're wondering what the heck took so long for me to come back to it, right?!

Oh, the reasons why I stopped blogging are numerous. It came at a time when I quit my job and for the first time ever did not have true purpose or organization to my day coupled with moving out of our first home in Georgia to an apartment in Virginia. I didn't work while the husband was in training in VA for 5 months and boy, did that ever take a toll on me. I didn't realize how much I would miss working. I used to dream of being a stay-at-home wife to do all the things I wanted to do that I never had time for like scrapbooking, staying on top of chores so the house was always orderly, trying out new recipes, eating dinner at a decent hour, etc., etc. But when that became my reality, I was just blah instead of refreshed. It was a tough move for me. I wasn't super happy with our location, with his work hours, not finding a church we liked, not having friends nearby and many others things, but in reality, the real issue was that I was just in a slump. So, out of my normal routine, the blog suffered. For a few months I didn't even read my favorite blogs which is shocking even to myself now!

I've gone back and forth so many times trying to decide if I should just delete the blog all together. And then I would randomly get a comment from a fellow military wife saying how encouraged she was by my writing. Me! Just a young, slightly naive Army wife who is still trying to figure out this whole Army thing and may not be quite so optimistic about it all after I tell you about our next move....yes, another one, after the last move I wrote about on February 17!

But those comments meant so much to me because I know how much of an inspiration and source of laughter and joy other blogs have brought me. Yet, if I'm going to do it, I need to stay connected and stop being so darn fickle! So, needless to say, the internal battle of "To Blog or Not To Blog" continues!

So that's all for right now. I had a moment of....gumption I guess you could say and thought I would actually type instead of just think about it :)

We're Moving!

2010-02-17T10:57:00.006-05:00

I know I alluded to some big news and then left y'all hanging, so for that, I am sorry!

It has been a whirlwind these past few weeks.

Our house is on the market and we are moving to Ft. Lee, VA in less than a month. Phew, there, I said it.

Johnny has to attend Captain's Career Course which is about five and a half months long and split between Ft. Lee and Ft. Eustis, both in VA. After that, he will go to Airborne School at Ft. Benning which only lasts about three weeks. At that point, we will PCS (Permanent Change of Station) again to a new unit somewhere in the world! Talk about an adventure! I think this next year is going to teach me a lot about patience and being flexible, and a lot about true Army life. This is our first big PCS.

We went back and forth for months debating whether I would go with him to VA. My first thought was no. We have a house here, I have a career, friends, a church we love and we just spent a year apart, so what's another 5 months. But after awhile Johnny eventually said "I want you to come to Virginia with me, no more debating the pros and cons. We have been apart too much and it's just not worth it if we have the opportunity to actually be together." Now, you have to understand something about Johnny. He for the most part lets me rule the roost. So for him to say "this is what I want and this is what's going to happen" I figured I'd better listen!! And I think it is the best decision for us and for our marriage. I know another deployment is on the horizon once we get to our new unit, so I want to take advantage of every second together while we have it.

Johnny has been stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah for four years, which is a long time by Army standards. We have been spoiled living in the beautiful city of Savannah, a place where people pay money to come and visit, not to mention his family is about a 30 minute drive away and my family is only about 4 hours away.

Putting the house on the market was so emotional for me for some reason. I'm much more in touch with reality now, so at this point I just want the durn thing SOLD! We will probably try to rent it as well to help offset some of the cost since we have not even had anyone call to look at our house which has been quite discouraging to say the least. But, our trust is in the Lord because we know his timing is perfect.

My last day of work is next Thursday so I am trying to wrap everything up here at the office. I can't wait, I have waited for my last day here for a long time. As I clean out my office I am amazed at the amount of crap I have in my office after only three years! I plan on looking for a job when we move, but I'm unsure of what I will do. I'm not sure if I'll stick with marketing and pr which is what my degree is in or if I will just do something low-key and fun for a few months. The latter would allow extra time for blogging, scrapbooking and cooking :)

We are headed up to Virginia soon to try to find a place to live. We are excited for the change of pace and scenery. While we will be further away from both sets of parents, my three sisters, brother-in-law and precious nephew will only be two hours away. My hometown, Roanoke, VA is only a short three hour drive away and Washington, DC is only two hours away. And can you believe my Soldier has never been to Washington, DC?! I got spoiled growing up in Roanoke, every field trip we ever took was to Washington, DC or Monticello!

So, there you have it folks. We're just going to continue weaving our little webb wherever the Army may take us :)

Good News, Bad News

2010-02-04T16:01:00.004-05:00

Well, the good news is that I probably lost a few pounds.

The bad news however, is that not even 3 hours after my hunny and I were spooning our way into a deep slumber on our anniversary night did I awake with a very non-romantic horrible stomach ailment. It wasn't food poisoning because Johnny and I shared every delectable thing that made its way to our table at dinner that night, but it did put me in a phenergen-induced coma for the next 36 hours. I'm back to work today, but my stomach is still gurgling and I'm not quite sure if I can eat chicken broth and noodles for another meal.

Pitter Patter Goes My Heart

2010-02-02T11:31:00.005-05:00

Happy 2nd Anniversary to the best man I've ever known!

I am so excited that we are actually able to be together for this anniversary. I woke up to a beautiful bouquet of pink tulips and we are headed to dinner tonight at one of our favorite restaurants downtown. Last year we decided that we would save the big gifts and/or big celebrations/trips for the every-five year anniversary. But I still wanted to get him a little something today. So, in keeping with the traditional second anniversary gift, I went with all-things COTTON! I made him a card out of 100% cotton paper and then got him a new bow tie (100% pure cotton, of course!) and new (cotton) dress socks with a sign in the box that read "I love you from head to toe!"

I can't seem to stop thinking about our wedding day. Even last night I found myself thinking, "This time two years ago we were at the church rehearsing...." I think anniversaries are intended to be spent reminiscing about the day and more importantly the vows that were made.

Johnny and I have weathered many storms during the first two years of our marriage. Only being together for about 6 of those 24 months, we have endured Ranger School, a year deployment and the dreaded "adjustment period." But thankfully, God has his hand on our marriage and we didn't give up even during the toughest of times, and we have come out of all that stronger and more seasoned for the rest of life's ups and downs. I have more respect and love for him today than I did on our wedding day and quite frankly, two years ago, I didn't think that was possible!

So, to the man I dream of when we are apart, and cherish when we are together - I LOVE YOU, Always and Forever!

Marriage is a Funny Thing

2010-01-27T14:28:00.002-05:00

I usually drive home from work in the evenings with a magazine in my lap because traffic is horrendous. Don't worry I only use it to occupy my lack of patience and ADD-self during completely stopped moments in my commute. I am an excellent driver and I would never read or be the slightest bit distracted while driving. Never.

On this one particular evening, I was super excited to get home. Johnny had been in Ft. Drum, NY for a week for work and I couldn't wait to get home to see him. As I was flipping through my Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine, I came across an ad for laundry detergent. And much to my dismay, it was a "scratch-n-sniff" type ad to smell the new scent Fresh Water Sparkle. I LOVE scratch-n-sniff...I mean, honestly, who didn't like scratch-n-sniffs as a kid?!

So what does any woman who's excited to get home to her husband do?

Use it as perfume, duh.

Yes, that's right, I didn't even hesitate. Scratch, scratch and up to my neck it went.

I finally got home and attacked Johnny with welcome home hugs and kisses and guess what he said?

"You smell good, Amanda!"

"Why thank you hunny, it's called Fresh Water Sparkle, it's new." :)

-the end-

Reality Check

2010-01-15T13:32:00.006-05:00

I was just checking out a few of my favorite blogs and made a quick stop to catch up on the blog: Joy's Hope. Her post from today linked up to another blog of one of her friends who is stuck in Haiti right now with her baby on a trip to visit their adopted son who they've been trying to bring home for years. She was so excited to spend some time with her son and then that devastating earthquake hit. Read her story HERE and then HERE to get a glimpse of their reality this week. I can't even begin to imagine the devastation and fear the residents and visitors of Port-au-Prince, Haiti are feeling. If you want to make a donation to help provide relief, click on the picture below.

Oyster Roast

2010-01-13T08:35:00.001-05:00

In October, Johnny and I hosted an Oyster Roast at our home for friends and family to welcome Johnny back from Iraq. We had an awesome time! Johnny was able to catch up with many friends who he hasn't seen since our wedding two years ago! Thank you to everyone who made the drive to welcome him home in true Low Country fashion!

Here is the oyster table under the tents surrounded by those who eat them and those who stood and watched in amazement!

Me and my grandma

My papa

Custom Water Bottles that I threw together at the last minute

Gary, Matt, Lewis and Johnny.....proud Citadel men

With my parents

The Webb Family

The Taylor Family

Cornhole....compliments of The Smoaks :)

Round 2 with the Oysters...just a little midnight snack...totally normal

So happy to be back together with my man!

Okay, Okay

2010-01-12T14:24:00.005-05:00

So, I'm sitting at Panera right now (about to pee in my pants actually, so this is going to be short!) during my lunch break from work utilizing their free wi-fi to update the blog! You should be very proud of me!

DISCLAIMER:
The pictures in the coming posts were taken with a semi-crappy camera. I say semi because it was a Christmas gift from Johnny two years ago, but truth be told, the pictures just aren't that great. And no, of course it has nothing to do with the person working the camera, so don't think that for a second! I didn't even bother editing half the pictures, and more than likely the pictures that are in focus with crisp coloring are from my friend Chelsea who is an amazing photographer and should quit her job and start her own business stat!! So, unfortunately my blog isn't going to be one of those blogs that will dazzle you with amazing pictures....I'm not happy about it either, it's just the truth!

There are lots of big changes on the horizon for the Webb family, party of 2. So many big changes that I just asked my boss today if I could cut back on my hours (gasp!) because I am so overwhelmed with things. And now, I will leave you hanging in true cliffhanger fashion to entice you to check back soon for the news :)

And NO, I'm NOT pregnant. That is a dirty word in our home (right now anyways), so don't even ask!!

It's True

2010-01-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

I Love Today

2009-12-18T15:11:00.006-05:00

Today is my last day of work until 2010! Thank you baby Jesus!! Not only is this my favorite time of year, and I get to spend it with my man this year, but I am such a happier person when I'm not at work, just ask my husband! I have big plans for the next two weeks. Lots of exercising, baking, trying new recipes, organizing, probably exercising some more after eating all the baked goods, having dinner at a reasonable hour in the evenings, spending time with family, uploading pictures to recap my life on the blog and catching up on the dvr.

I.CAN'T.WAIT!

Weekend Recap

2009-12-09T14:04:00.003-05:00

It's December 9th and it's currently 80 degrees with approximately 4,000% humidity. YUK! Boy, do I miss the snow and the cold air that smacks you in the face as soon as you step outside. I'm sure one of these days I am going to be eating these words because with my luck the Army will probably station us in Alaska or Antarctica!

I have so many pictures to post it's ridiculous. Johnny and I just got back on Monday from a weekend get-away in Charlotte, NC. For his birthday in August I bought him David Allan Coe (DAC) concert tickets for this past weekend. When I bought them, I remember thinking to myself, "December is so far away, it stinks we have to wait so long to enjoy the concert." HA! Those four months flew by and now here we are with Christmas right around the corner. The concert was great and we were so pumped up from the excitement of a live concert that we were actually the last ones to leave. And no, I'm not embarrassed by that statement in case you were wondering! Luckily, DAC has mellowed out a bit and didn't sing any of his crude/gross songs that he used to sing back in the day....it was just good ol' Outlaw country music.

We had such a great weekend and ate delicious food all weekend long and shopped at what I consider the best mall in existence...South Park Mall. I loved being back in Charlotte and being able to spend a few hours on Monday in Rock Hill, SC where I spent four pivotal years of my life at Winthrop University. I had the silliest grin on my face the entire time we drove around Rock Hill and the campus, reminiscing about all the good memories I made there.

I'm off to primp and beautify myself for my work's Christmas Party tonight.

Oh! If you need any gift ideas, check out THIS POST from last year!

Oh, I Have a Blog? What's That?

2009-12-03T13:01:00.005-05:00

Hi, my name is Amanda. I started this blog about a year and a half ago to keep family and friends up to date on our ever-changing, Army controlled, God-loving life! My past-times include neglecting the blog, ignoring harassing texts and emails from my family about the blog, and eating Wavy Lays Chips and Heluva Good Dip.

I feel that it is only right that I introduce myself again considering I have been so rudely absent for almost two months.

Let me give you a quick recap of everything that's happened since I last posted.

1.) I scrubbed every square inch of our house because I was a nervous, anxious wreck about the man returning.

2.) Johnny FINALLY came home from a year-long deployment in Iraq.

3.) I flipped out and had a minor breakdown because it was such a huge, overwhelming change and I was not anticipating that anything would be different....but DUH...he was gone for a year.

4.) We rekindled our love, he told me I was bonkers and now we are slowly adjusting back to "normal" life....whatever that is.

5.) We had about 40 of our closest friends and family over to our house for a "Welcome Home Oyster Roast Party" which was awesome and Johnny got to catch up with his buddies that he hadn't seen since our wedding!

6.) We saw our two cute little nieces dressed up as fairies for Halloween.

7.) We went to Charleston for The Citadel's Homecoming weekend and spent lots of time with "couple friends" who don't have babies...it was amazing!

8.) We decided we are so over everyone having babies right now and are not planning on having kids for a long while. (So, no need to ask us anyone!!)

9.) We finally became members of the church we've been attending for 3 years which is super exciting because we've been wanting to do it for about 2 years now, but he was always gone!

10.) We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and I cooked everything including a huge turkey all by myself!

And that's about it! See....you haven't missed much! I have lots of pictures that I need to upload from my camera to the computer, so when I do that, I will post some on here, too. Life is crazily busy now that he is home which in and of itself was a major change because my life was so quiet and simple while he was gone. Ya know, no one prepares the wives for this stuff...there was NO re-integration brief for me. I'm just thankful we are 100% committed to our marriage and that God is the center of our lives and relationship....I can't imagine how much harder it would be without that solid foundation.

Sorry for my absence friends :)

Pumpkin Recipes

2009-10-16T09:32:00.003-04:00

Fall seems to be in full-swing here in Savannah, considering it is supposed to dip down into the 40s this weekend! I even made a big pot of chili last night to kick-off the cool weather.

In the mean time, I am craving all things PUMPKIN! Yes, I have already drank my weight in half-caff, low-fat Pumpkin Spice Latte's from Starbucks, just in case you are wondering. And I plan on trying out a new recipe for Pumpkin Gnocchi this weekend...I'll let you know how it goes!

Here are two recipes which I've tried and loved. Johnny and I made the Pumpkin Creme Brulee's for Thanksgiving dessert a few years back. It is extremely rich, so you could probably get away with smaller servings. And I just recently made the Pumpkin Cobbler. I love it best warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and/or whipped cream. YUM!!

Pumpkin Crème Brulee
Serves: 7

Ingredients:
2 c. heavy cream
1 vanilla bean
5 Tbsp. (2.5 oz) sugar, divided
10 egg yolks, beaten
¼ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. powdered ginger
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 c. sugar for tops, or as needed

Combine the heavy cream, vanilla and half of the sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks and remaining sugar. Add 1/3 of the hot liquid to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Add the egg yolk mixture to the remaining hot cream, stirring constantly. Sire in the cinnamon, allspice and ginger. Fold in the pumpkin puree.

Fill buttered ramekins 7/8 full, place in a water bath. (Place ramekins in a deep roasting pan and fill pan with enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.) Bake at 325° until just barely set, cook 30 minutes, chill overnight.

Cover the surface of each custard with 1/8-inch of sugar, set ramekins in a pan surrounded with ice (so the custard does not become reheated when caramelizing the top). Caramelize sugar under the broiler or with a torch.

Pumpkin Cobbler - from THIS site

Ingredients:
6 eggs, beaten
3 cups cooked pumpkin
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cloves
1 spice cake mix (or yellow cake mix if you prefer)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

Mix eggs, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices. Pour into a greased 9x13 cake pan. Sprinkle cake mix over the top. Pour melted butter all over the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts on top. DO NOT MIX. Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 40 minutes.

Getting Ready...

2009-10-08T09:26:00.003-04:00

It's almost time to welcome the man back home. I think it is actually starting to sink in finally. It is such a mixture of emotions....excitement, anxiousness, a little nervous, lots of happy tears, and relief. Would it be terrible for me to say that it's hard for me to remember what life was like when he was home? I had to email him this morning to find out what kind of soap he uses these days so I could stock the bathroom with his products again. What a weird feeling to not know what kind of soap your husband uses.

He is officially out of Iraq and currently waiting in Kuwait for his flight home. He sent me an email yesterday once they arrived to Kuwait after packing up and saying good-bye to the only "home" he's known for the past year. He said, "I am glad to be out of that place. It was weird leaving; It was like moving out of an apartment...you take one last look around and hope that wherever you go next is better, and hope to never go back there again."

Below is a video my mom sent me this morning with the disclaimer to not watch it at work because it was a tear-jerker, the happy kind. Well, everything is a tear-jerker these days; I am so my mother's daughter! And of course I didn't listen to her because I watched it as soon as I got into the office!

My favorite part on the video is when he points to the soldier and says "You ARE the man!"

What an exciting time...he's coming home...and he is actually gonna stay put for awhile!!

Recap

2009-10-02T16:06:00.001-04:00

It was 53° this morning in Savannah when I woke up! I couldn’t believe it! I realize there are many places across the country that have already had their first snow, however, 53° is chilly for Savannah in September. Are there any other locals out there who think Fall weather is hitting us much earlier this year??!

Last weekend I spent Saturday at the beach with a few of my girlfriends. We had such an awesome time. We all brought something to contribute to our picnic and just spent the day talking, eating, snoozing, reading, and relaxing ocean-side. It really was therapy for my soul!

On Sunday, I spent the morning volunteering with the Food Ministry at my church. I spent 4 hours chopping and mixing to help prepare for a Missions Lunch that afternoon and I loved every second of it. I think they thought I was kidding when I said I could stand and chop vegetables literally all day long and actually enjoy it! It is a dream of mine to one day go to culinary school….wonder if that will ever happen J

The work week was only mildly painful. Luckily I was able to stay rather busy so it went by quickly. The evenings this week were spent catching up on my DVR since all my favorite shows are finally back on.

Johnny’s return date was delayed about a week which is a bummer, but honestly…what’s another week when we’ve already done a year of this mess! I am ready for it to be here though, fo sho!

I have a fun weekend coming up with lots of plans with sweet friends that I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with. Next week, I’ll be making lots of to-do lists and getting things ready for Johnny’s return….can’t wait!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Overwhelmed.

2009-09-25T09:10:00.004-04:00

I'm feeling overwhelmed at the moment.

Because I have a lot to do before JOHNNY COMES HOME!!!!!

That's right friends, you heard correctly! We've made it through a year-long deployment in Iraq! There have been many necessary time-outs from life when it was all just too much to handle, a lot of ugly crying and a lot of randomness on this blog, but we made it. It wasn't anything that an extra large helping of God, a big dose of daily exercise and a few Xanax couldn't fix.

I am currently trying to get things in order and crossed off my to-do list. Lots of little things, the majority of which are not mandatory, just pleasant niceties...things like having fresh flowers around the house and stocking our fridge and pantry with some of his favorite things. I want our home to be as welcoming and clean as possible!

I am also a bit overwhelmed and frustrated with work. There are many specific points of contention but my main frustration is currently because I don't think I'm going to be able to take the time off from work that I wanted to take when Johnny returns home. My leave hours are minimal and my boss won't allow me to take time off without pay as I have done previously. It stresses me out because I feel like it is going to be crucial for Johnny and I to reconnect and get back into the swings of things as quickly as possible since we have been apart for so long. I know it will all work out and Johnny and I will be fine even if I have to work that first week, I am just eager to hang out with my best friend again...duh :)

I still have another week or two until he arrives...but we are so close I get goosebumps every time I think about seeing his face again. This will be the longest stretch of time we will have spent with each other since we were married a year and a half ago!!!

It will be such an overwhelming relief to know he is back on American soil and "safe." After a year of earnest prayers being lifted up for his safe return home, they soon will all be answered.

Shoe Crazy

2009-09-16T16:22:00.007-04:00

I don't know what it is about Fall, but around this time every year I become shoe obsessed.

I need-I want-I must have-kind of crazy.

Over the past few years, I haven't bought many pairs of shoes....and there are a few reasons to blame.

1.) I'm super duper picky. I mean really picky. If the heel is slightly too wide or the toe too round, it will completely ruin it for me.

2.) I have a hard time spending an absurd amount of money on one thing. And comfortable shoes that are made to last are expensive.

3.) I usually have an image in my head of something I want and will spend years trying to find it. Am I weird or what?

4.) COMFORT. Why in heaven's name would any company produce shoes that weren't comfortable? I just don't get it.

5.) Not only am I picky, but now that I'm a married woman, my husband usually gives me his input and he is even pickier! He actually usually dislikes most of the shoes I crave....which will probably include the ones below :)

This year I am turning over a new leaf and I am going to actually purchase shoes this year instead of just drooling over the choices. It's been too long and it's time to refresh my current shoe selection, they are looking pretty worn down actually. Here are a handful from the hundreds of beauties that I've got my eye on this year...

And they comes in this bright sky blue too...love it.

I love the black ones for riding the motorcycle and the yellow ones to match my purse. I'm obsessed with this burnt mustard yellow color lately.

Boots with a wedge, what a novel idea!

Ankle boots or aka "Booties".
I didn't like them last year, but they've grown on me I think. These peep-toe boots work in Savannah during the winter, but I don't think they'd be that practical if we lived in NY.

How killer would these look with a black skirt? Every outfit needs a pop of color...why not do it with your shoes?!

sources include: bakersshoes.com, ninewest.com, endless.com

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T21:45:00.006-04:00

Yes, it was alive and I only did it for Johnny. And that is a fact!

I spent this past weekend at my parents' home in Melbourne, FL. I am so lucky to have them within driving distance so I can get away for the weekend now and then. I know my parents probably never thought they would see their adult married daughter as much as they have this past year! They have been my main source of company and entertainment over the course of this deployment :)

This weekend however was different from most weekends; I was not able to be an "only child" as I normally am when I visit them since it is rare for any of my four sisters to be there on the weekends. My younger sister and her new boyfriend were also in town. So in an effort to entertain the new boyfriend, we set out for an Air Boat ride to search for swamp creatures.

My lil' sis and I modeling what kind of "swamp creatures" to be on the look-out for.

All five of us sat on the front row of the boat and donned lovely large, black headphones that I am sure had not been cleaned in between head usage. The headphones luckily (note heavy sarcasm) came with a microphone which we were told to place snuggly (not a word, but you know what I mean!) under our bottom lip. At one point during the ride, my tongue accidentally grazed the germ-infested microphone and I could have THROWN UP. If Clorox was safe to drink, I probably would've chugged some.

One of the many beautiful scenes we saw on our ride. The water was so smooth that I couldn't tell where the trees ended and where the water began. It was crazy to look at, yet so peaceful.

We didn't see too many "swamp creatures" since it was really too hot for the gators to be frolicking on the surface, but the scenery was beautiful and it was a fun experience to ride on an air boat.

As I said my goodbyes on Monday, it made me happy to think that the next time I'll be at my parent's house will probably be with my Johnny :)

Carb Overload

2009-09-03T16:52:00.003-04:00

And this is coming from someone who LOVES carbs. I could literally have a baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, french fries, a freshly baked yeast roll and pasta on the same plate and be completely happy. I would also go into a carb-induced coma , but I would enjoy every second of that delicious food before hand.

However, this new Bread Bowl Pasta from Domino's totally grosses me out for some reason. Have you tried it yet? Is it any good? If you could see my face right now, it would be a face of disgust and dismay. I actually just tried to take a picture of my face with my phone, but it wasn't very cute, so I'm not posting it here. Just use your imagination.

I am really interested to find out if someone has tried this yet or not...so if you have, PLEASE leave me a comment and tell me how it was!!

Food Network Magazine

2009-09-01T10:38:00.006-04:00

Did you know that Food Network now has their very own magazine? Were you as skeptical about it as I was when you first saw ads for it? Were you also pleasantly surprised when you checked it out and then couldn't put it down because it was AWESOME?!

If you are looking for a great cooking magazine with tips, recipes for both the beginner and advanced at-home chef and gadgets galore, then grab this magazine the next time you see it. It is an easy read and you'll feel like you are cooking with friends with the faces of all the Food Network chefs across the pages. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Worst Reality Check Ever

2009-08-31T11:53:00.004-04:00

This last quarter of the deployment has been really tough for me. I venture to even say I'm having a harder time right now with it all than I did during the beginning few months. I honestly think Johnny and I are just so mentally and emotionally spent that we are having a tough time communicating and unfortunately I am just flat out of patience and optimism.

A year is just too long.

I am going through the motions of each day but my general mood is just BLAH. I know how close we are to his return home and everyone says, even Johnny, "But it's almost over, he's coming home soon, you should be excited!" And I am, but it hasn't really hit me yet to the full extent to overcome my feelings of blah-ness.

I wonder if other Army wives hit this point during the deployment where they just can't comprehend doing another day of this crap.

To make me feel even worse about my lack of patience and not so great mood towards Johnny lately, I just found out this morning that the husband of one of my friends' best friend was killed in action this weekend in Afghanistan. She is my age, maybe a few years older. MY AGE. NOW A WIDOW. PLANNING A FUNERAL FOR HER HUSBAND.

I've had a tough time dealing with that news even though I never met this couple. Even now, I'm fighting to hold back tears as I sit in my office and write this. While I know the reality of Johnny's situation and job, and I knew what I was getting into when I married him, it doesn't make that blow any less painful. Those are things I don't let myself think about because I wouldn't be able to get myself out of bed in the morning.

I thought to myself, "How dare you for getting mad over stupid things when all you can do is pray and trust that you will see his face again one day. How dare you for taking life for granted while he serves our country at WAR."

Nothing is guaranteed. Is that argument really worth having now? My mom always says, pick your battles Amanda. I didn't really think I needed a reality check to remind myself that Johnny is in Iraq with death a very real part of the job, but let me tell you, that news really helped put things into perspective for me as I struggle to make it through the last 5-7 weeks of our deployment.

My thoughts and prayers are with the young wife as she wraps her head around the news, the rest of the family and my friend and her husband.

As Johnny put it best, "He was serving his country so that we can all have freedoms. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and he will not be forgotten."

Hiya

2009-08-26T15:26:00.004-04:00

Where have I been lately you might ask?

Sleeping. That's where.

Summer has not been very nice to Amanda considering I just recently finished my SIXTH antibiotic for yet another sinus infection only to get the flu in mid-recovery. What a delight that was!!

I am finally feeling better and I'm armed with several allergy medications to help keep things in check. Let's hope this works because I don't think I could handle another sinus infection and I'm sure my boss is fairly fed up with zombie Amanda walking the halls!

I have had two exciting reasons worth celebrating this week. Yesterday was my parent's 30th wedding anniversary! That is a long time folks! But what a happy milestone to celebrate! It is hard for me to imagine Johnny and I celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary...I wonder where we'll be living and how many kids and grandkids we'll have by then. What a crazy thought!

The second exciting reason I am celebrating this week is because it is Johnny's birthday today!! Despite the fact that I am continually trying to celebrate his 25th birthday, he is really turning 26 today. As embarrassing and heart-wrenching as it is, I even wrote "Happy 25th Birthday" in his card. What an awful wife I am!!! I think I am confused because we have not been together for 15 months and we didn't get to celebrate his 25th birthday last year since he was at Ranger School. I already feel like I am just going through the motions of life while he is away, so I can kind of understand how in my head I'm behind a year. I think I am just trying to make myself feel better. I told him he will appreciate the fact that I can't remember his age when he is 80!!

I am having a birthday party tonight to celebrate his 26th birthday. Even though he won't be able to join in on the fun, we are celebrating the day he was born, and that is definitely worth celebrating in my book!

R&R Recap

2009-08-20T09:38:00.002-04:00

Remember way back when, like back in May when Johnny was home from Iraq for 2 weeks and I couldn't stop gushing about how amazing our time together was?! We tried to cram all of our favorite things we love to do together into two weeks. We even made a list of all the things we wanted to do about 2 months before he actually came home. And I KNOW we accomplished most things off that list because as I was writing the captions for the pictures below I kept wanting to start off each sentence with, "One of our favorite past times...".

We really did have an incredible two weeks together. I don't think it could have been any better quite frankly. The fact that we hadn't seen each other for 7 months didn't seem to phase us because we jumped right back into our life and it was almost as if he had never left. It really did refuel us for the rest of the deployment and reassured me that we were going to be fine.

One of our "fancy" dinners out in Savannah. We love getting
dressed up and eating delicious food!

Playing cards and drinking beers at home :)

Pickling okra

Fancy dinner at Grill 225 in Charleston. We were celebrating our one year wedding anniversary since we weren't together for it in February. Look at how cute he looks in his bow tie!! Love it!

At The Citadel for the Parade.

Our couples massage at Savannah Day Spa....amazing!

Cleaning his bike after we got caught riding in a major rain storm.

Out for Mexican on Cinco de Mayo with friends.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Book List

2009-07-30T14:06:00.003-04:00

Click HERE to see Gwyneth Paltrow's summer reading list from her site GOOP. If you go to the main page she has lots of yummy recipes, travel trips and all sorts of information on other topics too.

What are YOU reading this summer?

I am currently working on City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare....it's about vampires and "shadowhunters" and other mythical creatures that I NEVER thought I would ever enjoy reading about! It's book #2 in the Mortal Instruments series....check it out if you loved the Twilight series and need a little more vampire adventure and romance in your life :)

Life Through Johnny's Eyes

2009-07-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

A South Carolina flag waving proudly during one of the many dust storms.

Yup, that's a scorpion! Johnny said even the locals were scared of it!

Johnny and Charlie Daniels after a concert by the Charlie Daniels Band.

(Sorry for the wacko coloring here.) Here is the little desert lizard that Johnny chased around his room one night. As you can see, the tail-less lizard lost!

READ IT! That's an order!

2009-07-10T11:24:00.006-04:00

I just finished reading this book. And all I can say, is RUN, don't walk, to your nearest book store and get it! It is probably one of the best books I've ever read. I typically like reading mystery and suspense, but this true story was so touching and eye-opening that I didn't want it to end. I cried through the last 100 pages, but then again, that's nothing new! My mom suggested the book because she had read it for her book club and absolutely loved it. As I started flipping the pages I was enjoying it and intrigued by the different lives the two authors wrote of, but it wasn't until Chapter 22, one sentence in particular, that made me close the book and gasp as I said, "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" And then I couldn't put it down.

This book is the story of a poverty-stricken slave from Louisiana, a very successful art dealer and a woman who had the heart of an angel who brought them all together. Such an unlikely trio, yet such a profound story.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

2009-07-04T22:46:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

This time last year Johnny and I were in Columbus, GA while he caught up on some much needed sleep, filled his belly with as much food as he could manage, and soaked his poison ivy ridden legs in some sort of smelly medicine before he had to report back to Ft. Benning for Ranger School. I can't believe that was a year ago!

I have always loved America and felt blessed to live in a country where we have so many rights and such freedom. I remember a moment a few years ago when I was so overcome with pride for my country that I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes. I was flying home from Australia where I had lived for six glorious months and as we were rounding out the 18 hour flight and soaring above the big blue ocean, the pilot came over head and said, "Welcome to the United States of America." I have never been so happy to hear those words and I didn't even realize they would mean that much to me.

Since then, I've become an Army wife and our rights and freedoms that we are so blessed to have here in America have taken on a whole new meaning to me. I know I can speak for Johnny as well when I say IT'S OUR HONOR TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. Thank you to the rest of the soldiers who the serve and the families who support them.

Happy Birthday America!

Summer Ingredients

2009-07-01T12:03:00.004-04:00

I love avocados. They are so, so creamy and fresh tasting. Next time you make a BLT (bacon lettuce and tomato) sandwich, mix up fresh avocado with the mayo until it is completely smooth and spread that on your sandwich. It will make plain mayo seem so boring! I made this for dinner the other night and it is so delicious and takes a simple sandwich to a whole new level!

Watermelons....ahhhh...my favorite! It's only slightly embarrassing how much watermelon I can consume in one sitting :) So I bought a HUGE watermelon yesterday and now I have watermelon running out of my ears.

What are your favorite ways to use watermelon? Do you have a drink recipe or dessert or ANYTHING you can share with me?! I made a watermelon and feta salad last night, but y'all, I'm not kidding when I say I have more watermelon than I know what do with! So help a girl out would you please?

Breaks My Heart

2009-06-23T11:17:00.006-04:00

How many of you watched it last night? I realize news of it is everywhere this morning and it's what everyone is talking about, but I can't help but share my thoughts and feelings on it all as well. Especially considering I've kept my mouth shut this long!

I kind of figured it was coming but I think I was still hoping that they might surprise us and say they are going to counseling and will do whatever it takes to make their marriage work.

Literally, it breaks my heart. Johnny would say to me, "Amanda, it's just a TV show." And while I did fall in love with the Gosselin family because of their TV show, they are also real people and this is their life. It always has and it always will hurt my heart to see other people hurting whether I know them personally or not.

I don't know what truth there is to all the rumors and magazine articles, but it seems to me that if the allegations were wrong about Jon and this 23 year old school teacher, that he would've stopped seeing her to prove that there really is nothing going on rather than further the assumptions that there was an affair happening. I'm not taking sides because I don't know who's right and who's wrong and it doesn't really matter. What killed me with last night's episode was how Kate seemed so heartbroken and against the idea of separation, yet forced into it because it was "necessary", while Jon acted flippant and excited about being released into single hood again. It's like he's going through a mid-life crisis or something....earrings, the lady friends, the attitude, the motorcycle (nothing against motorcycles, we have one and I love it), the drinking....it's just so not the picture they painted in seasons past.

Not only am I sad for them, it makes me think about how fragile marriage is. After watching the show all I wanted to do was give Johnny a huge hug and kiss and tell him how much I love him. Because he is halfway across the world, I settled for an email! Jon and Kate at one time were madly in love too and I'm sure they didn't see this coming when they renewed their vows last season. It just reminds me to not take it for granted and that the commitment and vows Johnny and I made can't be taken lightly. Jon and Kate's divorce makes me want to work harder at my marriage so that I never have to go through what they are living right now.

I just read that this season has been postponed in light of their recent divorce filing. Good. At least someone finally figured out that it would probably be a good idea to shut off the cameras for a while. It's silly, but I'm praying for them. I can't imagine what these next few months are going to be like for them and those cute little kiddos.

Prediction: I betcha within the next 2 months, Jon and that girl come out publicly that they are dating and/or pregnant.

Supper Club

2009-06-18T23:13:00.006-04:00

This is one of my most favorite things EVER!!

It's something that is near and dear to my heart and something that I look forward to every month. Supper Club started last November as an excuse to get together with my girlfriends, cook up a delicious dinner and enjoy my home with those I love. I had been wanting to start a Supper Club for quite some time....the problem was, was that I didn't have enough friends to actually call it a dinner party!

Last November, Johnny had just recently deployed the month before and I was on the hunt for new friends. Sweet, Christian girls who I could spend my time with. And then I finally got placed in a BSF group (much more on Bible Study Fellowship later!) and met Kristy and Sara and what an answer to prayer they were! So, Chelsea (remember her? The one who hooked me up with Paula Deen??!) and I decided to just pick a date and do it! She invited a few people, I invited a few people and wa-la....we have Supper Club!

So this is how it works. We now have a closed group of the 5 of us (me, chelsea, kristy, sara and shelley - my neighbor) because we didn't want it to get too big. Partly because it gets extremely costly preparing a dinner for a group and we wanted to develop close friendships with each other, not just network like I do on a weekly basis for work. We meet once a month and we rotate from house to house. That person is responsible for picking a theme/menu and preparing and serving the meal. IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!

My turn is coming up again on Monday night and the theme is "Swanky Summer Feast." I know, totally random, but all the good themes have already been taken! Here is the invitation I designed and sent to everyone along with the menu.

And guess what else? I'm going to use my fine china for the first time ever and I can't wait! Now believe me, Supper Club is not usually this fancy...but it's my turn to host and I can do whatever I want :)

Here are some pictures from Supper Club's in the past.

Mexican Night!

Showing off the aprons Kristy made for us....yes, she never sleeps and I usually call her a "machine."

Pizza and Pajamas! No, I am not 4 months pregnant, thank you for asking.

This was Fondue Night at Shelley's!

Oh, it is just so much fun! Now go and start a Supper Club with your friends!! You'll be glad you did!

Life Lessons by Regina Brett

2009-06-11T14:33:00.003-04:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret,you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Audience Participation Please!

2009-06-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Out of the following items, which 5 would you be willing to live without if you HAD to.

1. Computer
2. High Speed Internet
3. Land Line Phone
4. Air Conditioning
5. Clothes Dryer
6. Cell Phone
7. TV
8. Car
9. Microwave
10. Cable or Satellite TV

Now share!! Which ones did you pick?

I could live without (if I HAD to) the microwave, a clothes dryer (in Australia we hung all our clothes on a line to dry), a land line phone (don't even get me started on that again!), cable or satellite tv and the plain 'ol regular tv.

It's kinda hard to imagine life without all of those things since we are so use to having each of them at our disposal....but I know I could do it if I had to.

Clarification

2009-06-02T14:18:00.004-04:00

I had a friend say they were worried about me and Johnny after reading my last post and I thought to myself, "Why in the world would that make her worried about us?" And then I re-read my post and realized some of you may think that I posted that song because I am in the depths of despair with a broken heart.

BUT GOOD NEWS!

Johnny and I are just as obsessed with each other as we were last month and probably even more crazy, madly in love than we were when we got married :) Are you done throwing up yet?! We couldn't be happier....well....actually...I would be a whole heck of a lot happier if he lived in our home with me and NOT in Iraq, but that's beside the point.

The reason I love that song is because I feel like there are so many people in my life right now who ARE hurting and who aren't able to see the light at the end of the marriage-trouble-tunnel. And my heart breaks for them. I was hoping that the song may give them an ounce of hope so that they could continue to fight for a strong and lasting marriage. Johnny and I fight for our marriage every day, because I don't want to take the chance to "take a day off" and give the enemy a chance to creep in. The divorce rate is steadily rising and quite frankly, I don't want to end up a statistic.

And I just really liked the song...that's all! :)

So, just in case you were wondering, there's no need to worry about us! I'll nauseate you with pictures from R&R soon!

Love is Not a Fight by Warren Barfield

2009-06-01T16:58:00.004-04:00

I am currently loving this song that's been playing on the Christian radio station lately. It's from the movie Fireproof and if you haven't seen the movie yet, it really does have a powerful message. The acting is a little weak...so just keep that in mind going into it, but the impact of the movie left me in tears! And there is this incredible devotion/ 40-day marriage challenge that you can pick up at your local Christian book store that I know will bestow blessings upon blessings on both you and your spouse. Whether your marriage is amazing or you are completely out of hope, I hope you enjoy this song. And don't give up. Nothing is impossible for God.

Go HERE to listen to the song.

BTW - I've added a music playlist down at the very bottom of this page, so be sure to pause it if you click on that link to listen to the song. It's also at the bottom in my playlist if you'd rather not click the link to watch the music video to go along with it on YouTube :)

And below are the lyrics....

Love is not a place
To come and go as we please
It's a house we answer in
Then commit to never leave

So lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
We'll work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Chorus:
Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

To some, love is a word
That they can fall into
But when they're falling out
Keeping that word is hard to do

Chorus:
Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

Love will come to save us
If we'll only call
He will ask nothing from us
But demand we give our all

Chorus:
Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for

I will fight for you
Would you fight for me?
It's worth fighting for

Tell me I'm not the only one....

2009-05-27T22:42:00.002-04:00

My exterminator is coming tomorrow morning. I spent the evening cleaning my house. FOR MY EXTERMINATOR. I don't even really like him....he is kind of rude. I have actually canceled appointments before with my bug man if I didn't have time to make my bed and do the dishes. Am I crazy and just really OCD? Or are you like this too?

On another completely different note...Johnny is back in Iraq and I am slowly (yet so much quicker than the first time he left) getting back into the swing of things, my productivity level is finally rising again and I'm working on getting rid of the several pounds I put on in just a mere 14 days. I'll update you on our fabulous two-week hibernation and our miserable good-bye soon. Just hang in there with me. It has been a roller coaster of emotions for this chick. :)

Land-Line Phones

2009-05-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hi. What you are about to read could come across as bitter and/or annoyed and/or ridiculous. I'm just warning you.

When my sweet husband and I bought our first home, he wanted to make sure we had an alarm system to keep me [somewhat] protected while he was away. Well, one of the MAJOR components to getting this new alarm system set up, was a land-line. I HATE LAND-LINES. Not to mention your average person doesn't use a land-line anymore because cell phones are now literally attached to people's ears. We don't need a land-line, we don't use a land-line and I certainly didn't want to pay $30 extra a month for something I had no use for. Guess who lost that battle. Me.

The "great deal" of $35.99 a month quickly jumped to $61.99 because the only reason we were paying for that stupid land-line was for the alarm system. Dumb.

I don't even know the number to own house phone. I am dead serious! I happened to be home one day and it rang. That phone NEVER rings. I mean N-E-V-E-R-R-I-N-G-S. It actually kind of frightened me when it rang because I had no clue where it was coming from. So I answered it and the woman said, "Is Betty there?" Umm, unless you are affectionately referring to me as Betty Crocker, no, no Betty here. Then she asked, "Is this 912-893-6789" (or something like that) and I just said, "No it isn't." BUT I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT OUR NUMBER IS!!!! The number she said could have very well been our number, but I couldn't even tell you a single digit that's in it. So ridiculous.

I am definitely a little bitter about the land-line. But I am thankful for our alarm system. There have been many nights since Johnny has been gone that I have heard some weird noises but was reassured that if it was someone breaking into my home our alarm would have already woken up the entire neighborhood.

AAAHHHHHH......

2009-05-05T20:21:00.008-04:00

That is a sigh of relief and complete and utter happiness. Johnny arrived home after traveling for 61 hours on Saturday afternoon. I was a total wreck, cleaning everything in sight and so anxious I couldn't stand still to save my life! My parents were there, Johnny's parents were there and his sister, brother-in-law and our two little nieces (one of which Johnny had never met!).

I have to admit I was a little nervous for our reunion and how it would be between us after being apart for six months, but now that he's home I have no clue what in the world I was worried about. It is literally like he never left! We are having a blast together and there was no adjustment period needed. It has truly reassured me that when he goes back to Iraq in two weeks that we will be fine and I know we'll be able to make it through the next 6 months.

Enjoy the several hundred pictures I've posted. My friend Chelsea is an amazing photographer and graciously agreed to come to the airport to take pictures for me. I am so thankful she was there and able to capture our sweet reunion on film :) THANKS CHELSEA!!

(Don't forget you can click on the picture to enlarge it.)

PS - As I'm sitting upstairs in the office writing this post and I can hear Johnny downstairs watching TV and laughing, and man oh man, how it makes my heart smile. I love having him home again. Life is exactly how it should be again.

I couldn't stand still! Looking for him amidst all the people!

There he is!!

Johnny and Elena...she warmed right up to him again!

Johnny and our sweet new little niece, Samantha Pepper

He's Almost Here!

2009-04-29T14:48:00.004-04:00

I would say within about 72 hours I should be looking at my husband's face, holding his hand and remembering how it feels to be 100% complete.

This doesn't even seem real y'all. We have been apart for so long and I have gotten so use to the distance and not being together that it kind of feels like a trick that the Army is playing on me.....they are telling me he is going to come home for two weeks...but I just can't believe it!

I am anxious, a little nervous, crazy excited and super emotional about it all. Every time I really think about what it will be like to see him for the first time in over 6 months I get choked up and teary. I always cry when I see stories on the news or in the paper about soldiers coming home and it shows couples and families reuniting (I'm tearing up right this second, oh my goodness) and now it is my reality!

Life is going to be exactly as it should be. And then we'll say goodbye again and Ranger through another 6 months of this crap. Such is life in the Army!

Everyone has asked me what we have planned for his two weeks home. And you know what? We don't really have any plans. We are going to lay in bed for as long we want and then do whatever we want to do....TOGETHER!! We had talked about going on a cruise but he said he didn't really want to vacation anywhere that was going to be HOT and SANDY. Duh Amanda, your husband is in Iraq - clue in!! Then we tossed around the idea of going away to a log cabin in the mountains for four or five days and we quickly decided against that too. We were afraid that if we took an actual trip, it would make our time together go by so much quicker.

We are going to go up to Charleston for a night and enjoy the Long Grey Line Parade at The Citadel since it's graduation weekend there. We have dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant and we're staying at the hotel downtown that we stayed at on our wedding night. Don't tell him, but I've requested the exact room from our wedding night and there will be our 1 year wedding anniversary cake (since we weren't together in February) and a bottle of champagne waiting for us! :)

He is actually down at the flight line now getting his departure time. From Iraq, he'll go to Kuwait for several, several hours and receive the rest of his itinerary. It could very well be Friday evening, but I'm thinking it will be Saturday sometime before he arrives in Savannah. I just can't hardly stand it I'm so excited. I wish it would hurry up and get here, I'm running out of patience!

Quelf & Sisters Weekend

2009-04-22T22:45:00.001-04:00

Raise your hand if you've heard of the game Quelf. I'm a newbie to the Quelf world...but I am loving it! My cousin introduced me to the game and I've never looked back! I think you have to have a certain personality and sense of humor to truly find this game as enjoyable as I do, so if you like this game....we could totally be friends in real life.

My sisters and I recently had a "sisters weekend" in Savannah at my house and we had so much fun. Friday night we played Quelf...and man, did we have fun! There was lots of laughing going on...the kind where you aren't even making a noise you are laughing so hard!

It is the most random game I've ever played but will provide hours of laughter and enjoyment. You basically draw cards (after rolling the die and moving spaces) which will prompt you to do some random, crazy act. For example, I had to go to the bathroom and wrap my head in toilet paper to become a mummy for the rest of the game.

My sister had to sing a nursery rhyme like a grizzlied old man....hilarious I tell you. My other sister had to rap a song to her fellow "inmates" while her knees were glued together, she had no top lip and she was covered in tar and feathers. Like I said....RANDOM!!!

I come from a big family, so get-togethers, family vacations and holidays are spent usually playing cards or board games. Those are some of the fondest memories I have of growing up because we were all together as a family. I still love it today when we can get together and laugh. And I don't mean giggling....I mean laughing till you cry!

So anyways, check out the game. I hope you love it as much as I do and make some awesome memories in the process!

Deployment and Johnny Update

2009-04-14T22:20:00.003-04:00

Johnny is doing awesome. We've hit the 6 month mark and y'all, I'm about out of patience with this deployment and I know Johnny is too. The weather has primarily been fairly chilly there and out of nowhere, it turned HOT one day last week and he's been sweating every since. All Johnny can do is laugh right now because he knows that it is just a taste of what is yet to come...say...mid-July. OH MAN. Let's just say there is a good possibility that 90 degrees will seem cool compared to the temperatures they'll be living in.

He is staying extremely busy with work which is a good thing because it doesn't give him much down time to be homesick or realize how crappy the circumstances really are, yet it keeps him pretty stressed out and annoyed most of the time as well.

His biggest complaint is really just that he can't get away from everyone. He is completely surrounded all of the time 24/7 with the same people. He tries to take a break from work and goes to the gym to work out and the same people are there, he goes and eats and there they all are again, he takes a shower and it's the same people in the bath area....you get the idea. Besides locking himself in his room all day, which typically just leaves him homesick and lonely and he never really has the opportunity to do that anyways, he is always surrounded by the same people. He tried to get me to understand the feeling by making me imagine going into work in the morning and then NEVER LEAVING for a year. Thinking about that literally makes my chest tighten up immediately. SO - I think besides that one aspect....he is doing awesome....and even with that he is handling it all really well.

He has remained an amazing husband even while halfway across the world at war. He makes every effort to call every day if he can, even if it is just to say hi and I love you. We're not naive to think that this distance, the stress of being at war and the amount of time he's gone couldn't affect our marriage....but we are doing everything we can to stay connected, and committed to keeping our marriage strong and focused on God, and remain crazy, madly, deeply in love.

He should hopefully be heading home around the first part of May for his 2-week R&R. We couldn't be more excited! The thought of seeing him for the first time in 7 months literally brings tears to my eyes. I hope our two weeks together will renew us enough to make it through the remaining 5 months. I just want this deployment to be over. Enough is enough already!

Here are a few pictures of my studly soldier...Enjoy!

This picture was pre-promotion to Captain!

The white stuff on the ground is C4...they packed it in
there by hand and are getting ready to blow stuff up!

Chocolate Bunnies

2009-04-12T12:58:00.001-04:00

Remember Me?!

2009-04-08T22:08:00.004-04:00

I'M BAAACCCCKKK!!!! :)

Well, I have officially been MIA for a month and 2 days. How rude of me. Seriously, I feel rotten about it, so I have decided instead of just deleting the blog all together, I will give it another go!

Y'all - I have so much to tell you about....so much has happened and so much awesomeness is about to happen, so y'all better stay tuned! I realize I have probably lost 99% of my readers (with that 1% being my Mom) due to my unannounced leave of absence, so if you're still checking me out on here, would you leave me a little comment love every once in a while? :) I love comments...it makes this blog interactive and reassures me that I'm not just babbling into an empty hole in cyberspace....which I guess wouldn't be that bad, it would be like a virtual diary...but no, still, comments are much more fun!!

So I have been super busy with company for about 4 weekends in a row and new projects and new recipes and just lots of fun stuff. And the best part is that my most favorite person in the world (Johnny...DUH!) will be coming home in about a month for his 2 week R&R!!!! I am just bubbling over with excitement! I'll fill everyone in soon....but now I must get my beauty sleep!

It's good to be back guys!

HUGS!

If you don't smile, the camera will make one for you...

2009-03-06T10:12:00.005-05:00

I recently found this hilarious editing tool on my new camera that detects people who aren't smiling in the picture and then forms a smile on their face. It is one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen! I was explaining this to Chelsea the other night while we were out with some friends and we decided to try to take a picture of us not smiling so we could play with this new tool. What we didn't realize was how hard it was going to be to take a "serious" picture and not smile!

Hello random half-eaten mozzarella stick.

We couldn't stop laughing!

Who knew trying to be serious could be so funny?!

Almost there....

Finally! I had to close my eyes until the second the picture was taken to keep from laughing!

And here you have it folks! The camera-formed smile....really natural looking wouldn't you say?! haha. I swear, my mom almost peed in her pants when she saw this!

What in the world?!

2009-03-05T16:46:00.005-05:00

Okay...I'm starting to wonder if I should just stay home tomorrow and not leave my house.

Just this week, there have been two shootings in Savannah and I have been in the exact area the shootings took place 15 minutes after they happened. DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY!! God is certainly watching over me this week as I nonchalantly drive around town. I mean Savannah isn't the safest place in the world, but we certainly don't have weekly shootings during the middle of the day in mid-town Savannah. Maybe I'll see if Johnny has an extra bullet proof helmet and flak vest from his Army gear I can borrow tomorrow and have in my car, ya know, just in case.

I will leave you with these two pictures of my beautiful city so you don't only think about shootings the next time you think of Savannah!

A Big Promotion!

2009-02-24T15:51:00.005-05:00

My man got promoted to CAPTAIN yesterday!!!

Major General Oates happened to be visiting their base in Iraq yesterday and performed an impromptu official ceremony to promote Johnny! It was quite an honor for him to be promoted not only by a Major General, but also a fellow Ranger!

I am so excited for him and proud of all that he has accomplished in his 3 years in the Army. He is an excellent leader and truly loves to serve our country.

25 Random Things

2009-02-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

So I'm sure everyone and their mother has heard about the 25 Random Things posting that has been happening on Facebook lately. Well, I got sucked into it after like 5 people tagged me to do it, and I eventually made my list...so I thought I would post it on here to give y'all an insight into my crazy self! Enjoy!

1.) I still wear my retainer at night...often...especially since the hubby is gone for a year.

2.) Being an Army wife is the hardest job I've ever had in my life and while I wouldn't change my life for anything, I also don't wish this hardship and pain on anyone.

3.) I type up all my recipes in the same format and print them out on 4x6 note cards to organize them in a binder with categories and dividers and everything. I typically put the list of ingredients on one note card and then the cooking instructions on another so when I am planning a party or a big meal, I can take the list of ingredients for each recipe with me to the grocery store. (See #23 to back this up.)

4.) I sincerely adore and respect my husband and fully believe God made us for each other.

5.) I want to go to culinary school one day. I would love to go to culinary school in Germany or Italy....but that will more than likely be up to the Army. They may have big plans for us in Arizona or some random place like that, who the heck knows!

6.) I HATE bad customer service. Whether it's McDonald's, a bank or a 5-star restaurant, it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

7.) Fresh Market is my happy place. I love the smell of the store when I walk in and the music they play and all the beautiful fruits and veggies and fresh cheeses and breads.

8.) I get hurt easily and take things personally, yet continue to expect the best from people for some reason.

9.) I am quickly getting into "baby mode"...much quicker than I thought I would. I secretly really want twins.

10.) I like to dip my green beans into ketchup....it started when I was a kid, but I still love it today. Don't worry I don't do it in restaurants or around most people. And it absolutely grosses Johnny out so much!

11.) I would love to be a book editor one day. I was called the "Edit Nazi" in college....I can spot a typo miles away. Watch me have one on here...sheesh!

12.) I don't have any patience for people who are selfish and constantly make excuses for themselves.

13.) I totally get sucked into the TV. I can't get anything done when it's on...which is why I hate the thing. Although, I do totally love my DVR.

14.) I only watch movies or read books with happy endings. Life is tough enough as is, I don't want my entertainment to depress me too!

15.) I am obsessed with my blackberry and I don't know how I survived without it.

16.) In 5th grade I decided I wanted to be an archaeologist when I grew up because we dissected owl pellets and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. So weird.

17.) I don't really like chocolate or sweets all that much, but I could eat an entire bag of carrots and ranch dressing or wavy lays potato chips and helluva good dip.

18.) I talk to my mom at least once every day. She is one of my best friends.

19.) I once fell off a ski lift while it was climbing up the mountain. I quickly learned that you are suppose to pull down that bar in front for a reason!

20.) The clothes in my closet are organized by color.

21.) Telling Johnny goodbye for an entire year the night he deployed to Iraq was without a doubt, the worst night of my life. I didn't know pain like that existed.

22.) I am obsessed with being married. I love everything about it. I love "keeping" a home and decorating it and cooking meals for my husband....and all those domestic Martha-Stewart-like-things - I love!

23.) I am a major planner and Type A personality freak! It's actually ironic considering the Army rules my life these days! :)

24.) I would love to be a food critic one day and write reviews on amazing restaurants all over the world.

25.) I am actually kind of embarrassed that I just wrote 25 things about myself and started almost every sentence with "I ". Oh my goodness. I feel like I need to go do something nice for someone immediately.

Hey Y'all!

2009-02-13T14:15:00.001-05:00

Not sure if you've ever heard of Paula Deen....but this past Sunday....I got to have brunch with her! She has a few shows on Food Network and draws crowds to her famous restaurant The Lady & Sons in her hometown of Savannah, GA. Well being a local Savannahian myself, I thought it would be cool to somehow meet Paula one day....basically just to be able to say I did!

Well last Friday, my friend Chelsea text messaged me and said "I have two tickets to brunch with Paula on Sunday...want to go?" Uuuummm.....YEEESSS! It was so much fun. It was downtown on one of the squares under a huge tent. And you know it was a fancy occasion because we had "Royal Restrooms" there. (side note - Have you SEEN THESE?! They are awesome!)

Paula and her husband Michael, and her son Bobby came and talked and answered questions from the audience. She is a hoot...I mean seriously, just says whatever she is thinking at that moment and at one point, she even took out a track of fake hair from her head and put it on her husband's beard. After brunch, they did a book signing and I got several cookbooks signed by them. What a fun experience!

There were definitely some people there who were die-hard Paula fans who came from all over the nation to this brunch. I'm not kidding! Needless to say, I stared at them most of the time to watch them and listen to them because it was just so weird to hear how obsessed they were. (I may or may not have a problem with "people watching". Whatever, it's normal to stare.)

So anyways, enjoy the pictures. I'm sure people are just gonna be lining up to be my friend now...haha. That's what happens when you become famous...well, I mean, famous by association! ha!

Here they are on stage in the tent. Paula looked pretty stinkin' cute...she had on a black causual dress and hot pink leggings.

This is Chris Rock's mom (ya know, the comedian dude) who was there as a featured author for the Book Festival that was taking place that weekend. The brunch was the final event for the Book Festival.

Signing books and meeting and greeting!

And here is Chelsea, the woman who made it all happen!

Here I am telling Paula that I am awesome cook and she should tell Food Network to give me my own show.

Here I am checking out my bag full of signed cookbooks! PS - I love my hair in this picture, but could totally do without the double chin.

Oh, this is just me and my new BFF. She said I could come and cook with her anytime I wanted to! Riiiggghhttt. Amanda lives in an imaginary world :)

Here are two of my favorite "Paula" recipes. I make both of these things all the time! I also double both recipes when we have big get-togethers.

Squash Casserole

Cook Time: 55 minutes, Yields: 6 Servings

Ingredients:
6 cups large diced yellow squash and zucchini
Vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream1 teaspoon House seasoning, recipe follows
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed butter crackers (recommended: Ritz)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Saute the squash in a little vegetable oil over medium-low heat until it has completely broken down, about 15 to 20 minutes. Line a colander with a clean tea towel. Place the cooked squash in the lined colander. Squeeze excess moisture from the squash. Set aside.

In a medium size skillet, saute the onion in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and mix all ingredients together except cracker crumbs. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Quick Guacamole-Spinach Dip - Don't tell anyone, but I could totally eat an entire bowl of this all by myself. My college roommate and I made this, inhaled it within minutes and made another batch of it and finished that off too. It's THAT good!

Ingredients:
1 package dry guacamole dip mix (found in produce departments)
One 8-ounce container cream cheese, softened
One 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1-3 Roma tomatoes, diced

Combine guacamole mix and cream cheese. Squeeze excess liquid from spinach. Add to cheese mixture. Add tomato. Mix well to combine. Serve with tortilla chips. Yields 2 cups

Lunch Break

2009-02-04T16:28:00.005-05:00

This is what I did today on my lunch break.

I realize there is a whole lotta plaid going on in this picture, but just try to uncross your eyes and look past that. That big fluffy comforter is not usually on the couch, but it is Johnny's old bed comforter and it's the most comfortable thing ever to take naps with.

It was one of those days. And naps do not come easily to me people. I don't know if I'm coming down with a cold or what, but I could hardly keep my eyes open this morning and had a headache from the devil. So I rushed home on my lunch break, set my alarm and took a quick 20 minute nap...I didn't even take my scarf or boots off. Then got up, made a pot of coffee and took two Excedrin migraine pills and rushed back to work. Is it Friday yet?

One Year Anniversary

2009-02-02T11:09:00.009-05:00

One year ago exactly, I married my best friend. It was an incredible February day in Charleston, blue skies and 70 degree weather. Everything was perfect and I was floating on cloud 9. I had an unbelievable peace and calmness about everything. I know without a doubt that God made us for each other. The past year has been a complete whirlwind, but I have experienced love in a way I didn't know existed from a man who continues to blow me away every single day with his patience and love and commitment to God and our marriage. I feel so blessed to be called his wife.

Enjoy the pictures from our special day :)

Drunk Goggles

2009-01-30T11:39:00.005-05:00

This is me wearing drunk goggles, trying to walk in a straight line this past week at our Health and Wellness Fair we hosted at work. It gave me a good laugh so I thought I would share!! It was incredibly hard and I almost fell over at one point! The goggles represent what it would be like to function at about 3 times the legal limit I think. It's not on video, but when I first put the goggles on and tried to start walking on the line, I was so off-centered I ran straight into the State Troopers table and almost knocked it over! I had to take the goggles off to get lined up on the black line! haha! Enjoy!

I'm In Love....

2009-01-26T09:34:00.003-05:00

.....with these...

Dear Glorious, beautiful, Italian, hand-made boots,

I love you. I love all $1,164.00 (not including tax) of you. I have dreamed of you for years during my endless search for those "perfect" boots. We could do all sorts of things together, don't you know?! We could ride the motorcycle together, I can wear you with adorable little fall/winter dresses to achieve that sought after shabby chic/bohemian look I've always loved. We could go to the movies and then run to the Fresh Market afterwards to pick up some of their fresh squeezed orange juice that is beyond any other OJ I've ever had. We could ride horses together if I rode horses which I don't, but we could still do that. And even though my husband was pretty blown away by your beauty as well, I will never be able to call you my own. I realize each pair is handmade to illuminate its unique characteristics and you are beautifully worn in before I even buy you, but you are far too much money for me to spend on a ~~new best friend~~ pair of boots.

Your faithful admirer,
Amanda

The Best Ever

2009-01-24T21:35:00.006-05:00

I'm watching Sleepless in Seattle right now...one of my all time favorite movies. It's a classic!!!

It's at that part right now where she's driving in her car to Walter's parents' house and is singing along to the Christmas carol's and sings, "Harses, harses, harses harses." That part always cracks me up!! I just love Meg Ryan. My other favorite part is when Walter finds her in the kitchen pantry in the middle of the night listening to "him" on the radio.

If you haven't seen it....you are missing out! Go rent it right now. Better yet, go BUY IT because you will watch it over and over again! You will laugh, cry and think Jonah is the cutest stinkin' kid ever! And it has a happy ending - my FAVORITE kind of movie!

Have you seen it? What's your favorite part?

Good Samaritan

2009-01-20T10:49:00.004-05:00

Y'all will not believe this story!

Here's some background info so you can fully appreciate this story. Sisters - I will try to keep this to a "Reader's Digest" version since I know how much you llooovvvveeee my drawn out stories, but I can't make any promises...you know how carried away I get sometimes :)

The story begins one cold December night long ago....just kidding...haha. I couldn't resist!

So anyways, I sent Johnny several boxes filled with wrapped Christmas gifts throughout the month of December. One box never made it to him. Clearly, I have been distraught about this and have truly lost faith in my local United States Postal Service. I don't care that they offer me tracking and insurance against loss or damage (read that in a very quick, mumbled voice like how the post office people say it) EVERY time I mail something, it is their job to mail things from point A to point B effectively. I had so many ~~cute~~ manly gifts that I knew Johnny would love in this box but because I didn't purchase the tracking or insurance against loss or damage, there was NO WAY for me to figure out where in the heck this box of goodies was.

Fast forward 5 weeks to today. :) This is where the story gets good people. Don't fall asleep on me yet.

I checked out my Myspace account this morning, not sure why, I don't really even use the thing, but low and behold I had a new friend request AND a message. This was a big day. "Patti" from Kansas wanted to be my friend. Well normally, I don't accept friend requests from people I don't know, but her message to me said, "We have your care package with Christmas gifts. Call me at __________." It was like a ransom note. You bet your butt I hit accept and then promptly emailed her about 15 times.

She said her husband's name is Johnny Webb and they just retired out of the Army 2 years ago but stayed in Kansas where he was stationed, and get this - he use to live in Georgia too. I can't make this stuff up people - this is real life. She said she has no clue how or why the package got sent to them and at first she was pretty annoyed that her husband got a box of gifts from "some woman in Georgia". haha. She said they tried finding my telephone number, but never had any luck. It was my super cute gift tags on each present that I had made with me and Johnny's wedding pictures on them that helped her find me on Myspace. Can you believe it??!! She's shipping the box back to me tomorrow morning. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

The moral of this story is that if a package gets lost in the mail, you'd better pray it ends up in Patti's hands because she will find you and get it back to you! No, no no. Just kidding. I'm really just happy to know that there are still good people out there who are honest and kind. And I'm SO RELIEVED that those gifts WILL eventually make it to Johnny!

Who Was I Kidding?!

2009-01-14T16:41:00.007-05:00

I have a confession to make.

Last night when I got home from the gym I immediately went into the kitchen and had a delicious homemade brownie. It was literally the first thing I did when I walked into the door. It was super yummy and warm and had symphony bars in the middle of them with almonds and toffee bits....oh yeah.

So much for "craving healthy foods" after I work out. What a loser I am. I can't even remember what I wrote about my personal eating habits like 5 hours earlier. Sometimes I just amaze myself, truly. So there it is folks...the truth...for all to see. I still do like salads and I usually do want to eat healthy after the gym....I'm not a total liar. Promise. I think I'm just hormonal. Yeah, that's what it is, I'm sure of it.

If Jim from The Office was my friend and had seen me stuff my face with that chocolatey goodness (and I don't even really like chocolate!) after I had just written that "I'm a health nut and only eat lettuce after the gym" number I think this is probably the face he would've made....

Or maybe this one.....

If you watch The Office....you will appreciate these pictures!

Rainy Day

2009-01-13T12:07:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

What a cold, yucky day today is here in Savannah. Last week we were having 80 degree days, and tomorrow it's suppose to be in the 30s.....Savannah is so weird!

Things are going pretty well...I am still keeping my schedule as full as possible, but I am trying to leave some free time for the gym in the afternoons after work. Working out has such a big impact on my life. I not only have more energy, but my mind feels refreshed and I actually crave healthier foods when I work out. I'm overall a pretty good eater...I'm one of "those people" who crave salads on a weekly basis and sometimes for dinner I'll just have a big ol' bowl of brussel sprouts! Don't get me wrong, I also crave McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries every once in awhile, but after I work out, the last thing I want to do is fill my body with grease and fat. So it's basically a win, win! Exercising is not a new year's resolution or anything, it's basically what I have to do to keep sane during this deployment!!

I am doing this new women's bible study on Saturdays and it is by far one of the coolest things I have ever done! I'll write more about it soon. Y'all will all think, "Oh, that is just so neat. I want to do something like that too." And then you can start it at your church and have as much fun every Saturday as I'm having!

Johnny is doing well. Today is the three month mark....only 9-10 months left...we're a quarter of the way done! Hallelujah! I hope these next three months fly by because then we'll be half way done and the rest is all downhill from there. He is super busy in his new position as S4 up at Battalion Headquarters (HHC). He is learning a lot and really fine-tuning his leadership skills. He has some awesome mentors there who are teaching him a lot whether they realize it or not.

Johnny also had his 3 year anniversary with the Army last Tuesday. It is kind of a milestone in his career because when he got his commission, he was required to be in the Army for at least 3 years, and then he could get out if he wanted and do Reserves for three. Well, isn't it convenient he is deployed and couldn't get out even if he wanted to! haha! Sneaky Army! You know, Army life definitely has negative aspects to it, but there are a lot of great benefits that come with it as well. Johnny is an awesome soldier and he loves what he does. It'll be an exciting ride to say the least to see where the Army takes us next!

Unbelievable

2009-01-08T20:12:00.001-05:00

I just left the gym on post (aka army base) where I work out and noticed a girl I met a few weeks ago at a Christmas party also working out. Her husband is also currently deployed, but he's not in the same unit as Johnny. She had on a full face of makeup and all done-up hair and was wearing a white sports bra and spandex shorts.

That's it.

That's all she was wearing.

It's not the make-up and perfect hair that bothers me. If she wants to wear all that make-up to work out, that's just fabulous. Not me because I'm a hot mess when I work out and the last thing I want is sweaty drips of make-up falling off my face. Gross.

But anyways, it really infuriates me when women act with complete disregard and respect for their husbands....ESPECIALLY husbands who are currently deployed. I guess every couple is different, but Johnny would be furious if I pranced around a gym full of men in a white sports bra and spandex shorts....and rightfully so. I would never do that anyways, no matter how in shape I was because I have more respect for myself and definitely more respect for my husband.
I'm not perfect by any means, and all marriages are tough and take consistent work. Keeping a marriage strong during a year-long deployment is even tougher in many ways, but the least I can do is show my husband respect while he is away.

Phew....

2009-01-02T18:30:00.006-05:00

The month of December was a complete whirlwind!

The holidays are always a busy time of the year and I love the hustle and bustle and cheer of the season, but I'm always left with a mixture of sadness that Christmas is over so quickly yet relief that things will finally start to slow down again. I guess that is kind of the same with many things in life. Sadness and relief....all at the same time.

You are sad when a family member passes away, yet relieved that they aren't in pain and aren't suffering anymore.

You're sad when a once close family member chooses to not participate in family gatherings during the holidays, yet relieved they aren't in a worse place in their lives.

You're sad when your spouse can't be with you to enjoy the spirit of the season, but so relieved to know he will be home for Christmas next year.

The holidays were tough y'all, and quite frankly, I'm glad they are over with! (Is that irreverent to say since Christmas is Jesus' birthday?) I missed Johnny more than I thought I would, but I loved the flexibility I had with my schedule and travel plans, and I loved the time I was able to spend with my family. Missing my man didn't stop me from beaming with child-like excitment when I saw my parents' Christmas tree all lit up!

Today was my first day back to work since last Tuesday! I am SO grateful for the time we had off. It was an amazing break from work and I had the opportunity to work on several projects around the house that I've been putting off since...oh...well.....like for a year now!

My New Year's Eve festivities were uneventful!! My mom, grandma and papa arrived at my home at about 9:00 p.m. that night as a pit stop on their trip from Raleigh, NC to FL. My papa's brother (my great uncle) passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening and the funeral was Wednesday afternoon which prompted their NYE travel.

Johnny went on a 5 mile run at 11:45 p.m. NYE with 2 of his buddies to "run in the new year"! He said, "I can finally say I'm coming home this year." Geez, he just makes my heart melt all the time. This picture was taken NYE...

I hope y'all had a blessed holiday season and were able to spend Christmas with those you love!

For Unto Us a Child is Born

2008-12-25T16:13:00.004-05:00

May you and your family be blessed on this joyous day and may the love of Jesus be ever present in your heart and lives.

Merry Christmas Friends!

Amanda's Gift Guide

2008-12-16T16:34:00.014-05:00

How many of you are done with your Christmas shopping? And how many live for the thrill of last minute shopping?!

I'm almost done with my shopping, but I have to say that this is the first year that I have bought everything online so far....it has been awesome! I haven't had to step foot in a store yet and it's been glorious! I come home from work in the evenings and upon my doorstep sits 3 little packages that took me a total of 15 minutes to find, decide whether to purchase, enter my pertinent information and push submit. And quite frankly, I've been finding such great deals on ebay and amazon.com that the few extra dollars for shipping and handling doesn't bother me one bit because I've saved money on gas and time. And time is money people.

So...for all you last minute shoppers, here is a list of some of my favorite things and gifts ideas for the person who has everything!

The Butler Bag - My all-time favorite purse. It is pricey, but I have used mine for a year and I still love it today. And it keeps me so organized, which I just can't get enough of. It comes in two sizes and a whole slew of colors and I can guarantee you that any woman would love to receive this as a gift! www.butlerbag.com

Wooden Salad Bowl and Serving Utensils - This is my go-to gift for housewarming gifts, birthday presents, etc. I love wooden salad bowls and quite frankly I don't think you can ever have too many of them! You can use them to serve salad or for a centerpiece filled with decorative balls. This one is from Target and was priced at $14.99!! But they range all the way up to $50.

Tiki Tissue Box Cover - haha, this is for the person who has EVERYTHING! haha...I bet they don't have one of these! I don't know why this makes me laugh so much - but it definitely does! This sells on amazon.com for $19.99.

Photo Sculptures - Basically everyone in my family is getting one of these for Christmas this year. I am obsessed! These are from www.zazzle.com and range in sizes and prices from about $15 - $150. You can basically personalize anything you want on zazzle.com, it's incredible; Shoes, shirts, skateboards, the list goes on and on.

Tervis Tumblers - Insulated cups that don't "sweat" from icy drinks. You can buy these with all sorts of different designs, words and names, personalized pictures, etc. These are really the only cups that Johnny and I ever use. We love them! www.tervis.com

Pure Beech Sheets - the ONLY sheets that are on our beds in our house. They are totally affordable for how comfortable they are, and once you sleep on these amazing little strands of comfort, you'll never want to sleep on anything else either! You can buy them in either jersey or sateen. The sateen are a little bit more expensive than the jersey, but they are thicker and hold up for longer I think. You can buy these at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Old Fashioned Receiver for Cell Phone - How perfect is this for a grandparent or parent who doesn't like converting to today's technology?? I would love to see someone driving down the road with this to their ear! Hilarious!

iKaraoke for your iPod - What a great idea for a kid or even an adult who likes to frequent the karaoke bars on the weekends! You can find this at amazon.com for about $27.00.

Monogrammed Beer Mugs - Aren't guys the hardest to buy for? All the men in my life are, that's for sure. So for the guy you don't know what to buy...why not get him some monogrammed beer mugs? These mugs come in different styles and can be found on www.redenvelope.com.

The Intellectual Devotional - Have you heard about these books? They are pretty stinkin' cool if you ask me. Even though I was never a huge fan of learning about Christopher Columbus or the 23rd President of the United States, now that I'm out of school I never want to stop learning! These books are an easy way to stay up-to-date on American history, culture and art. You can find these at any bookstore like Barnes and Noble or Books A Million or online at amazon.com.

BBQ Tool Set - Again, what guy wouldn't like this?! It is totally my go-to gift idea for a guy I have no clue what to buy for. Brookstone has this on their website for $79.99, but I know you can find them cheaper than that.

Ice Cream Ball - Have y'all seen these? You pour all the ingredients inside the ball and then kick, throw and shake the ball all around until you have ice cream! What a great idea for a kid or a family. LL Bean sells these but I've seen them at WalMart and Target too.

Hanky Panky Underwear - My favorite underwear of all times. It is the most comfortable stuff EVER! It's a little pricey and sometimes tough to find (check little clothing boutiques or specialty lingerie stores), but the thongs are amazing.

Electric Wine Bottle Opener - I received one of these Emerson Wine Bottle Openers for a gift a few years ago and I use it all the time! It is so quick and easy to use and this would be a great gift to give someone along with a favorite bottle of wine! Target sells these for $20.00.

Beef Brander - Personalize this brander with your man's initials and he will be one happy guy. It's like arts and crafts on the grill for guys - they'll love it!

Board Games - I come from a fairly big family and when we all get together, we break out the board games. Two of my favorites are Apples to Apples and Cranium. Both are interactive and promote lots of laughing! Toys 'R' Us has the best selection of board games I've ever seen.

Coming Soon...

2008-12-15T16:01:00.005-05:00

I'm working on a list of gift ideas for all you last minute shoppers!! So stayed tuned :)

Blogging Blues

2008-12-10T15:31:00.003-05:00

So, I’ve been a bit under the weather in my “blogging life”. I’m sorry faithful blog followers. I think about my dear sweet “tangled blog” every day but when I log in to write a post, I go blank. I literally just haven’t had anything to say. Now, if you know me in real life, you know that I am NEVER hurting for words to say, yet it seems I can’t come up with anything interesting to write about on the blog. Maybe I’m thinking too hard about it and need to stop trying to come up with amazing, genius topics to write about. Maybe I should just log in and write.

I think a lot of my absence during the past month and a half has been adjusting to Johnny being deployed. I have cram-packed my every waking moment with something. Literally in the past 7 weeks, I have only had three evenings (after work) or weekend days that I haven’t had plans. And one of those nights I was sick and the other I was packing to leave for a trip at 4 a.m. the next morning. And the third time was last night and I was “relaxing”. Whatever that means! I only did it because Johnny reprimanded me for being too busy. Except I was miserable last night! I cried more last night than I think I have in total since he left! I feel like I’m doing what I need to do to survive this next year. When I’m busy I don’t have time to be sad or lonely and quite frankly, those are two feelings that can easily creep up out of nowhere and knock me down hard. But being busy isn’t really an excuse to just randomly go MIA from my blog world. It’s not fair to you. I know I hate it when I find a blog I enjoy reading and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, they disappear! It just doesn’t seem fair; even though I may have never met that person, I feel like we’ve been through so much together through all their blogging! So I’m sorry friends! I hope you’ll forgive me and come back to me. I promise I’ll try to do better about writing. I can’t promise you are going to be interested in anything I have to say…but I’ll at least ramble a bit from time to time for you!

Feel free to throw questions or topics my way…that will surely inspire me when it comes to thinking up something to write about! Until my next post here are two pictures which usually give me a good laugh. Johnny and I may be in our mid-20s but we act like a bunch of kids and I loooovvveee it!

(It’s a cabbage leaf!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-26T14:33:00.002-05:00

Old Friends and New Friendships

2008-11-18T09:04:00.004-05:00

I love that this girl is back in my life! I have known Mary Kathryn since 4th grade and we lost touch after we graduated high school, but thanks to Facebook, we've reconnected! I got to catch up with MK this past weekend in Charleston since they were in town for the Citadel's Homecoming. Her husband is a Citadel grad (just like Johnny) and she was an Army wife for several years when they first got married. Needless to say, we have a lot in common and I can't wait for Johnny to meet her husband because I know they will hit it off. Her precious daughter Reagan had me laughing the entire time we were together - she has the cutest personality!

Hope to see you soon Mary Kathryn!

Pictures from Iraq

2008-11-13T11:05:00.009-05:00

Here are a few pictures Johnny just sent me today. You can click on the picture to make it bigger. I have Johnny's address as well, so if would like it just let me know, I'd be happy to give it to you!

He was very excited about seeing the camels. Apparently they just roam around like deer do here.

This is where Johnny will be living for the next year. He is roommates with one of his buddy's from the company and they have fixed up their little trailer to resemble something simliar to a dorm room, complete with a South Carolina flag and everything! The black, wooden looking crosses to the left of the door are holders they built for their Flack Vest (bullet-proof vest) and Kevlar Helmet. They were probably working on spray painting them which is why they are outside.

Here Johnny is at the range shooting a MK-19, it's basically an automatic grenade launcher.

HELP!

2008-11-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

Nerds, computer geeks, technology junkies, geniuses...who ever you are....please help me! Johnny is finally getting settled in Iraq and we've tried twice now to talk using our web cams....both times unsuccessful.

His web cam is built into his laptop, it's that Dell PC I was telling you about before, and I have one that sits above my screen. I actually have two because I was so frustrated when the first one didn't work, that I bought another one, different brand. I downloaded the software, followed the instructions, set up the volume for the speakers and the microphone, yadda yadda yadda.

Both times we've tried to talk, we've been able to see each other and I can hear him, but he can't hear me. HELP! What are we missing? Is it a problem on his end or an issue with my computer or web cam? We are using AIM to do a "Video Chat" and it all seems to work seamlessly except for the one problem that he can't hear me!! I am open to any thoughts or suggestions whether you know what you are talking about or not! I'm slightly desperate at this point and just want to have a normal conversation (normal in relative terms considering he's halfway across the world at war!) with my hunny!

Thanks for your help! Our marriage thanks you! My lack of patience thanks you! And my non-technologically savvy brain thanks you!

If you want to make a comment, but you're not sure how to do that, just click on the bold gray words at the end of this post that says "comments" and type your comment in the box. Next you have to choose from the 4 options. Click on the Google/Blogger option to sign in if you have a blog, I'm not sure what the Open ID thing is so skip that one, click the Name/URL if you just want to put your name so I'll know the comment was from you (you don't have to put anything in the URL line), or you can click on Anonymous, but then I wouldn't know who made the comment and that would make me sad!

The Demy

2008-11-10T14:17:00.008-05:00

I'm warning you in advance, you will probably want one of these little wonders after this post. DO NOT read if you are an impulse buyer!

So....have you heard of the Demy? It's amazing and I was immediately jealous that I didn't come up with the idea first! It is a digital recipe reader. I know - genius!
I am kind of OCD about recipes. I love them. I love reading cookbooks and recipes in my spare time. When I find a recipe that I like, I type it up in a particular format (every card is the same) so I can print it off onto a 4x6 notecard. I like to put the list of ingredients on one notecard, then put the cooking instructions on a second one so if I'm planning a meal, I can just grab the list of ingredients from each recipe to take to the grocery store with me. All the recipe-notecards are in plastic sheet protectors in a categorized binder. Like I said, kind of OCD. I also love pictures to accompany the recipe. If there isn't a picture, more than likely, I won't try it. So anyways, enough about my weird ways and back to the Demy.

You can store up to 2500 recipes and categorize them any way you want; Mark it as a "Brunch Favorite" so you can get to it easier next time you're planning a brunch. It has two different viewing angles, is splash resistant and can change the font size of the recipe so it's easier to read. It has 3 built-in kitchen timers, converts measurements for you and has a list of alternate ingredients in case you run out of something while you're cooking.
And it can all be yours in exchange for your first born!! It's not cheap, that's for sure, but it's still awesome - admit it! What gadget are you obsessed with currently??

Another Year Older

2008-11-04T10:53:00.009-05:00

ITSA MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!

Today, I will celebrate my birth. I got up this morning and put on my glasses (I'm blind as a bat without them!) and went downstairs to open up some cards and gifts I had received. It was just like Christmas morning....pj's and all! Then I made myself a delicious breakfast and got all dressed up this morning for work. It's amazing how a nice outfit and a few extra minutes on hair and make-up can make you feel so much better. I am super excited about tonight....I get to go to one of my favorite restaurants - Carrabba's - with my "in-law" side of the family and Chelsea.

And I just got flowers delivered to me at work from my Johnny. He is so sweet. I just love getting unexpected flower deliveries! The card made me cry - of course!

My parents started the birthday celebrations a little early and treated me to an excellent dinner at The Chart House in Melbourne this past weekend. I had such a great time hanging out with them and spending Saturday shopping and going to the movies with my mom.

And YES, I do feel older, so I'm treating myself to a facial at the spa this weekend :) hehe. I think the emotional stress of these past few months have taken shape on my face in the form of wrinkles and lines. Still no gray hair....but it's coming...I just know it!

So, all in all, today has been a wonderful birthday. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. And next year Johnny will be home for my birthday! Only 350 days left!

[Chelsea, Mike (my father-in-law), the birthday girl, and

Dotty Jo (my mother-in-law) at Carrabba's Tuesday night]

Moving Forward - Deployment Update

2008-10-29T16:36:00.011-04:00

Only 356 days left!

It has been a long week, but it's getting easier every day. Johnny and I said our goodbye around one o'clock in the morning last Tuesday. They flew into Shannon, Ireland where they had a 4 hour layover and then they arrived in Kuwait at 1:45 a.m. (our time) last Wednesday morning. Ireland is one of Johnny's favorite places, so he loved being there...even if it was just the airport! He even got to eat fish and chips, cooked in a Guinness beer batter! It was the closest thing to a real Guinness he could have! He woke up from that dream world once they landed in Kuwait and all he saw was sand for miles and miles. I think it finally sank in that he was actually deployed at that point.

While J was eating fish and chips, that first 24 hours for me was easily the worst day of my life. I literally felt like it was all a dream (in a nightmarish-kind of way). I could not comprehend what was truly going on. It was the weirdest thing to look around on post (what we call the Army base) last Monday night and see all these soldiers in full uniform, flack vest, Kevlar helmet, machine gun - the works - waiting to load the buses. It's the stuff you see in movies. And it's my life. I just couldn't believe what was going on. Well, I believe it now, but unfortunately I haven't woken up from that nightmare yet. Thankfully my mom came into town to keep me company and help keep me going last week. I don't know what I would've done without her.

So far, I have been able to talk to Johnny every day since he left. Sometimes it's a 2 minute conversation, other days we will talk for almost 30 minutes! It might be the fact that we he just finished Ranger School where we could only communicate through hand-written letters, but it's amazing how just hearing his voice for 5 seconds a day helps SO MUCH. I'm very grateful for the time we get to talk. He won't have email access until he gets up to Iraq. And we aren't allowed to mail anything to him until after November 15 for security reasons. But I will be sure to get his mailing address to those who want it so you can send Christmas cards. I'm not sure if I'll actually post it on the blog (for security reasons again) but I'll talk to Johnny about it and see what thinks.

He is doing well. He misses home tremendously, but I think it's easier for him to accept his current situation because this is his job. He has been training for this the entire time he's been in the Army, almost 3 years now....everything leading up to this point. He is an excellent soldier, and awesome leader and we can't forget...a RANGER!!

Here are some pictures from that awful night last week. Don't let the smiles fool you in these pictures - it was a miserable, nauseating night - I had been crying for about 3 days straight prior to dropping him off and was fighting the urge to throw up....I just can't NOT smile when a camera is visible. I think it's a genetic condition...I was born with it.

Fake Smiles....100%. There was nothing happy about that night.

This is Johnny's good buddy Jerry Billings. He just got back from his latest tour in Iraq and will probably be seeing Johnny over there sometime in February or March when he goes back.

I didn't want to let go of him.

Pennies and Nickels

2008-10-28T09:00:00.004-04:00

One of my biggest pet peeves is bad customer service. It really gets under my skin. I feel like every errand I've done in the past week has been so difficult because of the attitudinal people that work there. Why are people so angry and rude? I think they need a little dose of Jesus. I'm just saying.

Let me tell you this fun little story about my trip to the bank today. Johnny (and I) received 5 rolls of quarters from his aunt and uncle. (Thank you very much by the way for them!!) It's something that they've always done, as long as Johnny can remember. So I took them to the bank today (I will protect the guilty and keep them anonymous here, but if you would like to know, just ask me, I'll gladly tell you) and gave her the 5 rolls of quarters to cash in for me and she goes aways for a little bit and then comes back with a printed off receipt and says, "Okay, here is $48.06."

What?

I'm sure I gave her a blank stare as she tried to hand me $48.06 for my 5 rolls of quarters valued at $50. I said, "Shouldn't it be $50? Why is it $48.06?"

"Oh, there were several pennies and nickels in there so it didn't add up to $50," said the lovely bank teller.

Here's the problem friends. My mom and I JUST emptied out all 5 rolls onto my family room floor just a few days ago because she was looking for the new special state quarters and there weren't any, so we nicely packaged up those rolls again for me to cash in. I know my mom pretty well, and I'm 100% positive she didn't secretly swipe a few quarters and replace them with pennies and nickels.

So I explained this very true story to the lovely bank teller and she just stared at me. So I said, "Could the machine be wrong?" (Hint hint lady, give me the rest of my money.) She said something along the lines of no, that's impossible, it sorts it and adds it up. So I said okay and walked away.

I realize it is only $1.94 that I've been shorted, which is why I didn't put up a bigger fight. It's really just the principle of the thing. She should have just said there was a $1.94 service charge!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2008-10-23T16:49:00.005-04:00

Have you heard about the book Twilight? It's definitely not my typical read. I'm into Nicholas Sparks' love stories and James Patterson's type of suspense, but definitely not Harry Potter type books and other weird, scary, science-fiction type things....hence why Twilight would not be a book I would normally run to the store to buy. However, it is amazing. I'm enthralled, intrigued and totally hooked. I can barely put it down. I'm reading it at stop lights and while I'm stuck in traffic. I'm that girl who goes extra slow through a light so it will hopefully turn yellow before I get there so I can stop and read a few more sentences. P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C. But I think I find it so fascinating because I've never read or had any interest in anything close to the book's topic. And believe me - I don't do scary. I can't even watch or listen to scary movie previews, especially at night. But this book isn't scary, suspenseful - yes, but not gory, creepy scary.

But so, my oldest sister Shannon said to me the other weekend, "I have a book I want you to read." I said, "What's it about?" And she said, "Nope, I'm not telling you. I just want you to read it. Trust me." And then as she giggled suspiciously to herself she says, "I can't wait to see what you think of it!" And then my Mom chimes in, "Is that that book about vampires?" Well that did it for me. No thanks. I don't doooo vampires. Shannon persisted, "Noooo, just read it. It's really good!" It's a good thing I trust my big sis, because it's turned out to be a great book! Have you read it? What did you think of it? Are you planning on seeing the movie on November 21??

Well, my blog buddy Sarah B took this quiz and posted her results on her blog....so I thought I'd do the same! If you've read the book...take the quiz...which character are you?

You? Take the TwilightersAnonymous.com Quiz to Find Out!">
Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

YUK

2008-10-20T19:51:00.003-04:00

I hate goodbyes. yuk. How do tell the love of your life goodbye for year? yuk.

Thank you to everyone for all the love and support you have shown Johnny and I during this gross thing called deployment. yuk.

I'll write more this week once my eyes dry up a little bit and I stop dry-heaving.

Mid-Day Kinda Girl

2008-10-14T10:14:00.004-04:00

I hate getting up in the mornings. I'm not a morning person, but I'm not really a night owl either. I'm a mid-day kinda girl. I don't really like to sleep in super late, it's just something about waking up to an alarm when it seems the sun is still sleeping too. Since I work like most adults, sleeping in isn't really an option for me, but pushing the snooze button ten thousand times is!

It's as if my brain plays games with myself. My alarm goes off and I think to myself, "Oh, you don't need to get up right now, it's important that you sleep for another 30 minutes. Amanda, you can get ready in 15 minutes right?" And of course, my sleeping brain answers, "Yes I can get ready in 15 minutes." Well that is the biggest lie ever! Apparently my sleeping-self is in denial about how long it takes me to get ready in the mornings.

I usually use my cell phone as my alarm clock because the power goes out so often in Savannah that I can't really trust my regular clock. With my old cell phone, I could record notes/messages to myself, so I came up with a brilliant idea to record my voice telling me to get up in the mornings since the chimes and buzzes didn't really work. I went on and on in this recording harshly saying, "Amanda, GET UP! This is ridiculous, you are going to be late!" HAHA! As embarrassing as it is, it kind of worked. Probably because it made me laugh at myself every morning when it went off. Some may call it self-inflicted verbal abuse, but I'm going to call it creativity!

Computers & Biscuits

2008-10-10T08:49:00.007-04:00

It's FRIDAY! YAY!

So Johnny and I are in the market for a new laptop...well, two actually. One for him to take to Iraq and one for me at home. We went to Best Buy to look around and we like the DELL Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5750 laptop because it has a built-in web cam and the price is do-able. I've been doing some research on customer reviews, but I was wondering if y'all had any thoughts? Do you happen to have that same computer? Do you have a different laptop that you love?? Have you ever used Windows Vista? That's what this computer has and I've read mixed reviews on it. It's just such a big purchase and I'm definitely the type of person that has to do lots of homework on the product before I am ok with spending that kind of money. Okay...so any thoughts you have on that would be great and super helpful!!

I love warm, homemade biscuits....especially as it starts to get cooler outside. So, for dessert last night I made homemade buttermilk biscuits and Johnny and I smeared butter and honey all over them....it was so yummy! It is the quickest, simplest recipe out there for biscuits and it doesn't require active yeast (an ingredient that always makes me not want to try a recipe if it calls for that) and they are yummy, yummy, yummy!
Here is the recipe:

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits:
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sugar
¾ tsp. kosher salt
1 c. cold buttermilk
8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly

Preheat oven to 475°. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, mix together the buttermilk and melted butter until the butter forms weird looking clumps. Using a rubber spatula, add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until the mixture begins to pull away from the bowl. Don't over mix! Drop spoonfuls (about ¼ c. size or smaller) of dough onto a parchment covered cookie sheet, about 1.5 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until tops are golden. Serve fresh from the oven. Yields 10-13 biscuits.

Our Weekend in Asheville, NC

2008-10-08T12:27:00.013-04:00

I LOVE the mountains! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. So Johnny and I went to Asheville, NC this past weekend to relax and breathe in some good ol' mountain air.

We spent Friday at the Biltmore house...which is amazing. If you've never been...go. Its huge-ness is incredible. I was slightly frustrated that I couldn't just roam the house. My imagination was confined to numbered rooms and roped off hallways. I like to explore and being told I couldn't go down a hallway just made me want to go down there even more! Every piece of furniture we passed that was within reach, Johnny would try to open a drawer or knock on it for secret cubbies. It was hilarious. And I thought on more than one occasion that we were going to get kicked out. I got lots of great ideas though for when Johnny and I build our dream house in like 10 gabilzillion years! Secret doors, secret rooms, fountains in the middle of a room...just kidding, I won't do that. We seriously spent almost all day there though enjoying the restaurants, winery, creeks, gardens and shops.

We had a great time and the weather was perfect the whole weekend...we couldn't have asked for a better retreat!

Army Life

2008-10-06T14:07:00.006-04:00

I'm new to this thing we call Army life. I'm learning as I go, but this past week and a half has knocked me down, shook me up and opened my eyes wider than they were before.

Why wasn't I better preparing myself for this deployment?

The first part of last week was spent filling out form after form for this upcoming deployment. It was the most depressing thing EVER. I had to choose who I wanted to be with me for support if I had to be notified that something had happened to Johnny; Other forms with questions about what if Johnny is taken as a prisoner of war; A checklist of topics regarding everyday life to see what we've discussed and/or do I know how to get the information. It was miserable. It took us a few days to get through them because we could only take so much at one time.

It was the last thing Johnny and I wanted to do...we wanted to celebrate and catch up on lost time and do all the fun things we love to do. So now, the forms are done, and we are definitely enjoying every moment of every day and trying to ignore the inevitable so it doesn't ruin our (my) mood.

I just wish I had somehow better prepared myself for this. I mean, if you really think about it, you can imagine the harsh details one would have discuss before going away to war. I guess it never really gets easier, but I wonder if you at least get use to it a little bit?

I feel like I have so many questions and no answers. I know I'm going to be fine and Johnny's going to be fine and we'll come out stronger in the end, but HOW? HOW do I go through a year of life without my best friend? One day at a time....and I'm sure sometimes it'll be one hour at a time. It's overwhelming, that's all.

But I can say one thing for sure. I am so unbelievably proud of Johnny and grateful for his commitment and duty and honor to his job and our country. Regardless of your views of the war, support the soldiers and troops who help protect our freedoms and what we stand for. Yes, these men (and women) sign up to be in the military, and us wives fall in love and marry into "army life" but it doesn't make it any easier to be apart from those we love.

This is one of my favorite pictures taken in CA at the National Training Center this past April. They were there for pre-deployment training. Johnny is the one of the far right, standing, with black gloves on.

I promise I'll write a less depressing post tomorrow :)

Sorry for being MIA!!

2008-10-01T16:52:00.006-04:00

Hey Everyone!

Sorry for being MIA since last week. As you can imagine, I've been a bit distracted! :) It is SO NICE having Johnny home again. He is adjusting well and has been very busy at work this week.

While we are still celebrating his HUGE accomplishment, we are also gearing up for deployment. Today has been a tough day because we pretty much got final word that he will be deploying in two and a half weeks with his unit. They are headed to Iraq for a year. I truly can not comprehend those words....Iraq for a YEAR. I know this is part of the job and it was only a matter of time before he got deployed, and I should be happy it's not 18 months, it's just that...he JUST got home. So I'm a little out of it today, but didn't want another day to pass without posting something!

Click HERE to view the pictures from Johnny's Ranger Graduation. There was an hour-long demonstration before the actual ceremony where they showed all sorts of things the soldiers did throughout the 3 phases. It was full of explosives and weapons and combatives and jumping out of black hawk's....it was very entertaining! And I got to pin his Ranger Tab on which meant so much to me because that is what they worked so hard for! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Life is Good!!

2008-09-25T09:47:00.003-04:00

Amazing. Yesterday was that is...when I got to see JOHNNY!!! I am one happy girl :) We got spend a good portion of the day together yesterday and I just stared at him all day long because I couldn't believe it was really him!! And...I don't have a single picture to share with you. Bad blogger Amanda, very bad. Will take some today...promise...and will definitely be taking some at Graduation tomorrow.

But here is my question. We want to go an a little trip sometime soon. Like a long-weekend getaway. But not being from Savannah, I don't know a ton of places within driving distance that would be a good get-away spot. Any ideas?? We don't want to spend a lot of money and don't want to drive more than 7ish hours to get to our destination. So tell me all of your ideas...please and thank you!

Ode to Fall

2008-09-22T12:32:00.003-04:00

In honor of the first day of autumn today, I've made a list of all the things that I love about fall!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks (if you haven't tried it yet, run to your nearest Starbucks and get one. First of all, it's like a little cup of autumn with whipped cream on top and second, it will change your life forever!)
2. Cool, crisp mornings that make your cheeks pink

3. The leaves changing colors - this is the one time a year that I really, really miss not living in the mountains anymore. How can you not believe in God when you drive through the mountains in October?

4. Sweaters, boots, jeans, scarves (or is it scarfs? I'm so confused now)

5. Apple Cider & Hot Toddies

6. Getting decked-out in leather to ride the Harley because 60˚ feels like 40˚ when you're flying down the road. And yes, I'm talking leather jacket, chaps, leather gloves...you're getting the idea.

7. The smell of wood-burning fireplaces in the air

8. Butt-warmers in my car (they kind of make me feel like I have to pee, but aside from that, they are definitely something to look forward to!)

9. Decorating the house for Thanksgiving and Christmas

10. Tweed, Herringbone, Plaid and Houndstooth

11. Mums - I've already killed one so far (And for my Australian friends - these are flowers, I'm not talking about my mom!!)

12. Getting all snuggled up in the comfiest of clothes next to Johnny to watch a movie because in case you haven't heard - HE'S COMING HOME!!!

And just for the record, we are still in shorts and flip-flops in Savannah. BUT I grew up in Roanoke and it actually did get cold there, so I have lived through a "real" fall season before - so I know what I'm talking about!

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

HE'S COMING HOME!!

2008-09-21T21:36:00.003-04:00

HE DID IT!!! I just heard from Johnny and he passed the Swamp Phase and will be graduating Ranger School this Friday!! I can't even begin to tell you the excitement and relief I'm feeling right now. It's OVER!! It's like the biggest weight has been lifted off my shoulders! And my husband is officially an Army RANGER!!

I am SO PROUD OF HIM; for his perseverance and commitment to following a HUGE goal of his and not giving up....even when he thought he saw zebras in Georgia! I am driving up to Ft. Benning on Wednesday to see him and I can hardly stand it!! It feels like forever since I've seen him. It's finally OVER!!

GO or NO-GO???

2008-09-20T11:56:00.004-04:00

Ok, so here is what Johnny's schedule is looking like as of right now.

Today is the last day of the 9-day FTX (stands for field training exercise where they were given missions to lead) and whenever it is officially over (it could be at midnight tonight...who the heck knows!), they will get their final evaluations and receive either a GO or a NO-GO. This will determine whether he graduates next Friday the 26th or has to re-do the Swamp Phase again. Technically the Swamp Phase is the shortest Phase in regards to actual training and field time because the last week of the Phase is for "Recovery and Out-Processing" before graduation.

So, I am expecting a phone call from him either today, tomorrow or Monday with the word on whether he got recycled or will be graduating Ranger School on the 26th. I'd like to say I am patiently waiting for his phone call with no anxiety whatsoever, but we all know that is IMPOSSIBLE for Amanda!! I keep replaying the different scenarios in my head, like what I will say if he says he recycled or how loud I will scream if he says he is graduating. And unfortunately I have not gotten any letters from him this week, so I can't even analyze his thoughts on how the missions are going to determine if he's doing well or not. I'm a girl...I analyze everything!

I'll update this when I find out...hopefully with good news! Thanks for your prayers everyone! I know they are being heard :)

The Little Things

2008-09-19T09:06:00.015-04:00

This my friends, is romantic. When you are hundreds of miles apart and can only communicate through hand-written letters, it's the little things that melt my heart.

(You can click on the picture for a close-up.)

Hand-picked flowers by my one and only, laminated to the back of the envelope. Is he just not the sweetest husband ever?!! (okay, you can stop throwing up now, the mushy part is over!)

Snakes & Coffee

2008-09-16T14:05:00.006-04:00

How about an update on Ranger Webb?

I have received several letters from him since he started the Swamp Phase, but he mostly talks about how much he misses home and everything he wants to eat when he gets back! He wants to grill hamburgers the first night he’s home and then put a huge pig shoulder on at 0300 (3:00 a.m.) until the next evening. He mentions food on average, about every other sentence. The poor boy is hungry!! He apparently has perfected the art of dumpster diving for left over food after people are finished eating. This slightly worries me because there is a huge dumpster across the street from our house for all the construction that’s going on around us, so I guess if I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t find Johnny, he’ll either be in the dumpster looking for food, or sleeping on the ground in the backyard. The “adjustment & recovery period” should be interesting! His mood and motivation took an 180˚ turn once he got his GO from the Mountain Phase. He says he can kind of see the end in sight, just barely though because it still seems so far off.

WILDLIFE & REPTILES

“I’m sitting in a class waiting for the Battalion Commander to come in and I see 9 wooden boxes with locks on them and signs on them that read ‘DANGER VENOMOUS SNAKES’. In the background I hear rattles. I can’t wait for these guys to pull the snakes out! Well, the snakes were cool. Some huge while other were small. And a small gator. I touched them all of course. Except one that was hissing and mad!”

In another letter he says, “Let’s talk about wildlife for just a second: Within the first hour of being close to the woods yesterday, I saw a coral snake & black racer and I probably saw about a dozen banana spiders (HUGE). Then I went to get my ruck sack after a mission and had 3 wolf spiders on it over a quarter in size. It was quite disturbing."

*Side Note - I was going to put a picture of these gross creatures on the blog, but my aunt is extremely disgusted with snakes and I didn't want her to not ever read my blog again!

TRAINING

One day they did “Close Quarters Combat” training in urban areas. This basically means fighting in houses, buildings and towns. They use rope bridges to cross large bodies of water and he said they stay wet the majority of the time either from the swamps or because it rains every day.

If it starts lightening, they go into “lightening lockdown” which means they stop all training and get in groups of 3-4 and sit in an open field until the lightening has stopped.

They are currently in the field for a 9-day FTX (field-training exercise). This is where Johnny will get at least 1 mission where he has to plan, lead and execute a group of guys in order to get his GO. They will be living out in the swamps the entire time.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL SIDE-EFFECTS

Physically he is doing alright. He says he has loss a great deal of strength and his pants are very baggy on him (not if he keeps up the dumpster diving though!). He has poison ivy AGAIN, but went to the medic right away this time. His big toes are still numb – they have been since the first phase and his hands and fingers crack open really bad so the medic gave him lanolin for that. He has already said he will need MAJOR foot care when he gets home, apparently they are in bad shape. The mosquitoes and sand gnats are really bad down there, so his neck and face (the only skin that is uncovered) looks like he has chicken pox.

He said they have a term to describe the feelings guys have while at Ranger School. The term is “hurt locker” which describes an intense sadness, deep pain or misery. He said, “This my dear, is a real hurt locker.” He has said more than once that being away from me and our home (as well as the physical and mental demands) has been the hardest thing he has ever had to do in his life.

THOUGHTS ON 9/11/08

He wrote one letter on 9/11 and says, “It doesn’t seem that long ago that the towers were attacked. But being here and sacrificing my/our time for a greater cause kind of motivates me. It reminds me what this country represents. I hope that even though we are apart today and suffering because of the separation, that we can feel good about what we are doing and going through.”

COMIC RELIEF

And here is a hilarious story (to me anyways) about his encounter with a cup of coffee the other day! These are Johnny’s words:

“A RI (Ranger Instructor) just came into the barracks for our OPORD and he had a cup of coffee. Neuert & I joked about who would be the decoy while the other took the coffee from him. Well, you know I just had to at least smell it. Anyways, I get closer for a better smell. About that time he goes to take a sip. My eyes follow the coffee to his mouth and back down. He looks at me and offers me a sip, I smile and deny it. Then before I know it Neuert is behind me asking, ‘Are you serious?’ See, RI’s often joke like that. They will offer you something they know you want and you get super excited about it and say yes, and then they laugh and/or cuss at you. So the RI answered Neuert and said, ‘Yeah, I’m not a jerk.’ Before I know it I’ve got a hot cup of coffee to my lips tasting the delicious flavors of coffee bean and International Delight (creamer)! Two more sips of joy for me for a total of 3 sips/gulps. Temperature was not an issue during this mission, quantity was. You know I have been craving coffee for well, since Day 1 of Pre-Ranger! So it was awesome!”

PRAYER REQUESTS

He is very scared/nervous about getting recycled again. He said he was burned once with a recycle and it was devastating, so he can’t help but be a little scared. Please pray that he will not recycle! And he asked specifically for prayer for his knowledge, strength and endurance both physically and mentally and that he would be able to execute missions successfully.

What a GREAT Weekend!

2008-09-15T11:19:00.007-04:00

This past weekend I went to Charleston to finally catch up with one my favorite people! Anne Magill and I met at Winthrop University our junior year and immediately become attached at the hip. We were both in the same major (Integrated Marketing Communication), so we conveniently had almost every class together throughout the next two years at Winthrop. Since graduation, I've been a bridesmaid in her wedding, she's been a bridesmaid in mine, and we've been there for each other through all of life's twists and turns. We had such a good time catching up, shopping, eating at all my favorite spots and enjoying the beautiful weather that I didn't want to leave!

On my way back to Savannah, I stopped at my in-laws' house in Bluffton to get the crabs out of our crab cage to cook and clean them. So Mike and I (my father-in-law) went to the dock and dumped the crabs into a bucket (I definitely got pinched!! I feel like an official crabber now!) and took them back to the house to boil them up and clean out all the yummy fresh blue crab meat. It sure is a lot of work for not much meat! Ten years ago I would've never dreamed that me - a little ol' prissy Virginia mountain girl -would be teaching her in-laws how to clean a fresh crab! ha! Life is funny that way I guess!

What did you do this weekend? Tell me about it, I'd love to hear!

Seven Years Ago...

2008-09-11T09:47:00.003-04:00

...life as we knew it was changed forever. My heart goes out to all those family affected by that terrible day.

Domestic Diva

2008-09-09T13:45:00.005-04:00

Lookey at what I made this weekend.....

No, NOT the chair or the bookcase - the CURTAIN! Or a "cornice" for all those curtain experts out there. Like it?!

I designed it (yes, I know it's in the shape of a rectangle, but I still had to choose the shape!), measured it perfectly, and built it! It makes the room SO homey and warm and inviting! And I attached it about 15 inches above the top of the window to make the room look taller than it really is and to keep it from blocking out a lot of sunlight. I have two more smaller ones to make sometime this week to put on the single windows, one on either side of the couch. I'll post another picture of the whole family room so you can see the finished product once the other two are up.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

The Swamp Phase

2008-09-05T15:02:00.010-04:00

Ranger School is one of the toughest training schools a soldier can volunteer for. Army Ranger NCO's are experts in leading soldiers on difficult missions-and to do this they need rigorous training. For over two months, Ranger students train to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies.

Emphasis during the Swamp (Florida) Phase is to continue the development of the Ranger student's combat arms functional skills. He must be capable of operating effectively under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress. This is accomplished through practical exercises in extended platoon level operations in a jungle/swamp environment. Training further develops the students' ability to plan for and lead small units on independent and coordinated airborne, air assault, small boat, and dismounted combat operations in a mid-intensity combat environment against a well-trained, sophisticated enemy.

The Florida Phase continues the progressive, realistic OPFOR (Opposing Forces) scenario. As the scenario develops, the students receive "in-country" technique training that assists them in accomplishing the tactical missions later in the phase. Technique training includes: small boat operations, expedient stream crossing techniques, and skills needed to survive and operate in a jungle/swamp environment involving learning how to deal with reptiles, and how to determine the difference between venomous snakes and non-venomous snakes. The camp has specially trained reptile experts that teach how to not be afraid of them.

The Ranger students are updated on the scenario that eventually commits the unit to combat during techniques training. The 9-day FTX (field-training exercise) is a fast-paced, highly stressful, challenging exercise in which the students are further trained, but are also evaluated on their ability to apply small unit tactics/techniques. They apply the tactics/techniques of raids, ambushes and movement to contact to accomplish their missions. The capstone of the course is the extensively-planned raid of the ALF's island stronghold. This small boat operation involves each platoon in the class, all working together on separate missions to take down the cartel's final point of strength.

Afterwards, students who earned graduation spend several days cleaning their weapons and equipment before returning to Ft. Benning. By then they have earned PX (Post Exchange) privileges, and access to the "Gator Lounge", a place where they can use a telephone, eat civilian food and drink beers and watch television. During that time students are fed three daily meals. The graduation is at Camp Rogers in Ft. Benning. In an elaborate ceremony at Victory Pond, the black-and-gold Ranger tab is pinned to the graduating soldier's left shoulder. The Ranger tab is permanently worn above the soldier's unit patch.

Historically, the graduation rate has been around 40%, but this has fluctuated in both directions at certain points. In the last three years the graduation rate has risen from 52% in 2005 to 54% in 2006 to 56% in 2007. Only around 20% of soldiers make it through all three phases without having to repeat a phase.

(The first two pictures are green because a night-vision lens was used to take the pictures.)

Woooo Hooooo!!

2008-09-05T08:46:00.005-04:00

HE GOT A GO!!!!!

Johnny called me late last night unexpectedly and illegally (in Ranger world) because he had just found out he was moving on to the third and final phase....the Swamp Phase! We spoke for only about 15 seconds, but hopefully we'll be able to talk today for at least a few minutes before they head down to Florida. I'll be posting some information soon about what all the Swamp Phase entails, until then, let's keep him prayed up so we can get him home in 3 weeks!! I'm ready for this to be over!!

Personal Ad

2008-09-04T12:44:00.003-04:00

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If you fit that description, please contact me immediately!! I want to be your friend :)

Two More Days

2008-09-03T11:05:00.007-04:00

I have been story-less the past week. I've logged on to the blog almost everyday this past week to write a new post, but nothing has come to me.

I did receive several letters from Johnny last week and it seems his moral is back up despite having to re-do every test, class, and mission over again which he is a bit bitter about! He was joking more in those letters than he has since he left, and seemed more like himself which made me happy! He said his new company, Alpha Company, is much better than Charlie Company he was in the first time through the mountains. He is learning a lot more this time through and he even has a guy who graduated from The Citadel in his company this time! He will hopefully get to make a call this Friday to let me know whether he got a GO and will move on to the third and final phase - The Swamp Phase. I am pretty confident he will be moving on to the Swamp phase this weekend, but there is of course a small chance that he won't get a GO and will be recycled again. However, this time, if he recycles again (which I seriously doubt will happen) he will have to start the entire Ranger School over again from DAY 1...not just the mountain phase. You are only allowed 1 recycle per phase before you'd be required to go back to the beginning of the program. PLEASE PRAY THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN!!! I want him home in 3 weeks....NOT 3 more months! So, I suppose my lack of writing could be due to the fact that I have been seriously nervous about Friday's outcome. I know, I know, nothing good comes from worrying, sometimes it's just hard not to.

I'm also on "Hanna" watch. I love Savannah but I do not love Hurricane Season. I am not a fan. All the unknowns and potential devastation from such a fickle storm leaves me anxious and wanting my husband!! I've stocked up on jugs of water and wine and batteries and my pantry is full of food and if I loose power I still have the charcoal grill (which I still need to move into the garage. Thank you for reminding yourself, Amanda) to cook dinner on. What an adventure this will be!

So, I'm counting down until Friday. To hear from Johnny and to see what Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hanna decides to do. I'll keep you posted. I promise I won't go another 8 days without a post this time :)

Oh! And here is a picture of me and my grandparents from this past weekend. I went down to my parent's house in FL for the long weekend and we met up with my Grandma and Papa in Orlando for a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater! We had so much fun together. I love how active and full of life they are and we're usually always laughing when we're together...you never know what will come out of my grandmother's mouth! :) I love y'all!