Friday, November 14, 2008

My bubble has been popped.

There was a murder.

So we were having a Low Boil tonight. Our good friends family and baby was in town so we had everyone over to our house to celebrate and welcome them. Several guests mentioned cops on our road and you had to give a name and address you were going to. My friend and I ran to the gas station and ended up seeing everything for ourselves. There were cops everywhere. Everything was roped off. News crews, people, craziness. When I went into the gas station I asked what was going on and the woman said they found the girl that had been missing since Tuesday.

WHAT?

How could I have been so busy or so blind or self consumed or whatever to not even know someone within miles of my home had been missing. And now, found dead. She was 21 years old. She had so much life left to live probably tons of more things to offer this world and it's cut short.

I grew up in a bubble. Ignorance IS bliss. I love my bubble. I don't care how stupid or how naieve that may sound. I was always careful, but felt safe and secure. Our last residence...popped my bubble: with the break ins, trash, trashy people, etc. And although our new place is only a couple miles away I thought I found a way to rebuild my sanctuary. A place that reminded me a bit more of my home. Safe, clean, and such. Then this.

I am scared. Is this just the beginning? Is there more to come?
I am sad. I don't even know this girl, but can't help to think how at any point this could have been me or one of my friends. At a bar, outside using your phone, gone.
Her poor family. So close to the holidays.

Why are people so bad? I mean seriously what is this world coming to? Where are our morals?

I am scared.
I am sad.
A life has been lost.
A family is mourning.
A killer is on the loose.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Supporting his teams:)

Flo posted a pic of her insanely cute pup Bruno in his new sweater! So, I wanted to post Hutch in his newest football garb! Believe it or not he likes wearing the jerseys...a lot more than his Hallowen costume.

Is it just me or is he posing? HAHAHAHA!





Thursday, November 6, 2008

I need something.

Growing up my parents were always very involved in church. Meaning, I...got to be...very involved in church. Then, it was such a chore. It was something to take up valuable time in my valuable day. Being Catholic I went through the sacraments at all the right times...I did everything I was supposed to. But, I didn't do it for me. I didn't enjoy it one bit.

Now at 23, starting a life with my husband, I find myself wanting to bring religion more into my life and make God more a part of my marriage. It's weird because I always thought when I got out of the house I'd never go again. NOT because I don't believe...because I DO! But because I do think that I can pray on my own time in my own way and still deserve to go to Heaven. I guess I felt like there was something 'more important' and my time was 'more important', but that can't be farther from the truth.

I don't think the world is a horrible place. I don't think most people are horrible. But it seems that a lot of the people I have surrounded myself with have lost sight of their morals and values and I don't want that to happen to me. I don't want to lose the morals and values my parents strived so hard to instill in me. I think being a part of a church can help remind me more often and give me more strength to hold on to my morals and values.

A thread on a site I'm a part of started talking about Christian songs and church hymns and I can here them...it makes me miss going to church. It makes me miss being a part of something bigger than me, you, and everyone and everything.

So...I started looking up Catholic Churches in my area and I can't wait for Nick and I to go and see if we can fit into their family.

Monday, November 3, 2008

For those who are voting tomorrow...

GOOD FOR YOU!

It is your right and it is an amazing thing to be a part of.

BUT PLEASE...don't be an ignorant voter. I hope by this point you have made yourself aware of the platforms. Don't vote blindly. I feel like I've talked to too many people over the last month who a) are voting for a candidate, but have no clue why, or b) think they know why, but have the platforms completely backwards.

YOU STILL HAVE SOME TIME TO EDUCATE YOURSELF!!!!!!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Is it ok that my WHOLE life fits inside a UHaul?

I thought about this today between packing and cleaning...

Amongst all the boxes I remembered I needed to call the UHaul people to rent a truck. I then realized I would be packing my lil life up into a UHaul. One UHaul. All the things I wear, or eat, or play, or read, or watch....in one UHaul.

I think it would take most a very large moving truck: The Father & Son type, or maybe Two Men & a Moving Truck. Those are moving companies in case you didn't know.

And then I thought:

One day I may have a very large moving truck. Filled with my [amazing] husbands uniforms, furniture, Barbie Jeeps, BMX Bikes, swing sets, puppy toys...

But right now, yes, my lil ole AMAZING life fits into one UHaul. And in the front seat will sit Hubbly and Hutch and as I follow behind in my car I will smile and know that everything inside that moving truck is everything I hold dear, everything I could ever dream at this point in my life, and I am truly lucky!

Monday, September 29, 2008

So, we're moving.

Not QUITE the move we had planned...the CG has decided to keep Nick in Bama for an extra year. Instead of leaving in 2009 we will be leaving in 2010. There are pros and cons that follow. One plus is that we are leaving our p.o.s apartment. After spending the last 9 months here I feel like the side of town we're on, the complex we're in, and the people we are surrounded by are...not right. So since we have to stay we might as well plant ourselves in an area we like in an apartment complex we're really happy with!

So as Nick has been singing, we are moving on up (the apartment is an upgrade to say the least), to the top (upstairs apt. vs. our current ground floor), eeeeeastide (of the Bay, lol).

We are going to be living in a BRAND NEW apt: Two bed, two bath, electric fireplace, vaulted ceilings...sigh...never (well practically never) before walked on soft, amazing carpet...never before used bathtubs! YES! Move in date is the end of Oct, but you better bet the second we have the place looking nice, I'll have some pictures:)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Finally: Puppy videos:)

Finally [with the help of Flo] I have figured out how to share my videos! Can I just say...I LOVE MY PUPPY! These are of Hutch right before his 5 month birthday! The first one is of him 'racing' around the house. My cousin Amy said the sudden burst of puppy energy is called a Zoomie (not sure of the spelling). The second is of him in my in laws back yard running around while we visited home a week ago. When he jumps in the bushes you can see his cute lil head pop up, haha.





It brings me back...

Hearing the sound of a train is soothing. It makes me think of visiting my Granny's house. At night as I laid in bed I could hear the trains coming through town.

Swimming makes me feel competitive. It takes me back to all of my races...

Finding 'true' Gelato is refreshing. It makes me think of my trips to Europe.

Does a smell, a thought, a taste, etc. ever make you think of a time, moment, or emotion in your life? A few things really take me back. I never just sit and think about it, until today, I was in the shower listening to my ipod and 'Josie' by Blink 182 come on.

I could remember it SO clearly. I was on my way home from class and Nick called. At this time we weren't overly serious and he was at his most 'care free' period. Not the most sensitive or thoughtful man in the world, not having much relationship experience he was learning day by day...which made this phone call that much more special. Mainly because I often wondered, how often does he think of me when I'm not around? Does he include me in his future plans? Do things make him think of me throughout his day, like things make me think of him?

Nick: I just heard a song that made me think about you.
Me: Oh really and what would that be?
Nick: No, I want to listen to it together...

And so at some point that evening we did. And while the words aren't sappy and lovey dovey, if you know me, you know I'd hate that...and I guess if you read the lyrics you'd 'hmmm?' however, at this point in his life, as I said, he was care free, independent, and really big on friends...and I felt after hearing the words...I had made it. I wasn't just a girlfriend. I felt appreciated, like he knew what he had. Someone to make him laugh, someone that would be there for him, to brighten his day, pick him up...

We're approaching nearly 4 years since he first told me about this song. I can remember each second of the phone call and listening to the song together as if it just happened yesterday...I like when something or someone meant so much that it can bring you back to a time, a moment, an emotion.

[And in case you go search these lyrics, go ahead and disregard the bulge comment;) That line does not apply;)]

Friday, September 19, 2008

Oh, the insanity.

Albert Einstein is reported to have said: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

This would lead me to believe if you were being remotely honest you would agree at some point in your life you have been...insane. And if you were being blatantly honest you would agree at many times in your life you have been insane.

Why is it that we do the same things again and again and expect different results?

In school, maybe you don't study for tests, but expect to squeak by...and don't...yet you continue to...not study. In relationships, maybe you continue to let a guy (or girl) take advantage of you expecting in the end they will change and you will live the 'happily ever after'.

I am just wondering at what point you learn. I think upon graduating college and getting engaged I realized...I'm a big girl now. To go off on a tangent withe little relevance...saying I'm a big girl makes me think of 6th grade lunches with Erin. This girl taught me every theme song and commercial lyrics worthy of being sung. IIIIII don't want to grow up, I'm a toys r us kid...there's a million toys at toys r us that...

ANYWAYS, upon graduating college and getting engaged it was clear...my life would be spent with another. In the future we would be having children and it would be spent molding and shaping them to be the best they can be...and I realized I needed to handle all situations in a wise and responsible manner that would not negatively effect me or others (physically or emotionally). So for me 21-22 was when I saw my light bulb. For other 21-22 year olds this could be their drunken haze stage. They may rarely think of others or themselves. They do drastic dramatic things often...whatever feels good at the moment....so when will they get the light bulb? Some kids may have grown up too fast and they see the light bulb way to early...

I know life isn't about being rational and making rational decisions. I'm not perfect now nor have I ever been and I think in my short 23 years I have experienced so many things this great world has to offer. You learn, you grow, you change, you experience. I guess I'm glad to have found my light bulb. I feel like I'm in charge of my life. I'm happy with where I'm at and pleased with who I've become. I just see things sometimes...people...sometimes...and wonder when...the light bulb will go on for them. If ever.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Home is a state of mind.

After spending the last ten days at home I've realized:

-I love my [true] friends.
-I love my family.
-La Nop is and always will be the best Mexican ever.
-Your parents really are cool and spending time with them is fun.
-There isn't enough time in a day...or ten.
-My dog and I are quite the pair.
-I need to talk to Erin more.
-Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
-Pita Pit has good pitas.
-Your exes really can stay your friends.
-Some people move forward, some people move backward, and some people never move at all.
-Saying Ray isn't near as fun as saying Ray-mone.
-My sister is cool.
-Enchanted has an amazing soundtrack.
-I miss 4th grade.
-At some point in my life I have to live on a river.
-My heart is in Alabama.
-My family is in Florida.
-Home is a state of mind.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Giving into a weak emotion.

I have always...ok, no, that's a lie...I have for the last 5 years...considered myself to be an independent, responsible, strong, open, realistic person.

I'd say it began during my first trip to Europe. During the trip I found so many things: importance of a good strong friendship, appreciation for different cultures, independence, etc. That started the end of my 2 year relationship. I needed to be free and on my own. Let me insert, Ryan, my boyfriend then, was an amazing boyfriend and friend! I still enjoy having him in my life to this day! Although in the end we weren't meant to be, he is now making a wonderful girl happy and he deserves great things:)

As I found my independence on that trip and as I discovered a whole new world, way of living, and interest in bigger and better things...I grew. While I still loved friends and family a part of me grew separate from them and I was happy to feel...like an adult. Like an adult that could function happily on her own.

A year later I met Nick. Who knew he would be my future husband? Who knew he would join the military? So many things change from day to day. None of the "could be's" seemed to matter then because as I said, I was independent;) Whatever came to be would...eventually...come to be. And I was sure I could take it all on!

Then my love grew...and grew...and grew and grew...and I realized...I didn't want to be independent. I say this meaning...reliant ONLY on myself...I wanted to rely on Nick and I wanted him to rely on me...in any way...in many ways...

The Coast Guard took him several places...all away from me...and I continued to feel strong...suddenly...lately, I don't. Because of the hurricanes Nick has been in and out for the last week and this morning was the last time I will see him for two weeks. He saw my sadness and asked what would happen when we started 'cutter life'. I said, "Cry every single day:(". Which...I won't. I'd like to still think I'm realistic and independent enough to make it through that with as little sadness as possible. Trying to maintain my life as normally as I can with my other half missing for potentially months at a time...

It's just funny because I don't think when you dive in head first, with butterflies, dates, cuddles, hugs, kisses, smiles, growing feelings, building plans...you realize in the midst of loving someone so much it can hurt so bad. I say I'm ready to get out of this town. Experience a new place with my husband, get his sea time...but when I go...I think I'll realize what I had here...him...almost always. I really shouldn't complain. So many have it way worse. Not just other CG families, but other military families with their fathers, husbands, sons, etc in Iraq for years at a time...

It's just difficult. Another obstacle to overcome, another test, another lesson, another opportunity for me to grow in a new way...it just...umm...

SUCKS:)

Monday, September 1, 2008

Dear Mr. Television,

Today you bring me joy. I don't even know where to begin or put my deepest focus. The options you provide me with are plentiful and very much appreciated. Channels 2 to 200, offering 90210 to High School Confidential Marathons, SEASON PREMIERES of Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill... I feel blessed to own you.

Rising at 9:30 with no plans of leaving the couch until quite possibly the same time this evening, I will be enjoying a relaxing rainy day with you.

Sincerely,
Ashley

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Puppy classes.

So...puppy classes-

Hutch has been learning quite a bit in his lil pupster classes. He can 'watch me' and 'sit' and is learning to walk properly on a leash. Granted, we still have a long way to go, 6 weeks left, but he's making some great improvements.

He has been making some great friends:) There is a pitbull, lab, doberman, weiner doggie, mutt, bull terrier, and a few others. I'm soooo happy he's socializing well!

It's not changing his personality though. He is still as fun loving and goofy as ever! Right now for instance, he is surfing the couch, my personal favorite. Unfortunately, as soon as he hears the doo-doo-doo-da of the camera turning on he doesn't want to be filmed and instantly stops his hilarious puppy tirade.

I suppose this blog is pointless. I guess I just wanted to brag on how much I love my pup. And boy oh boy is he growing. But hey, he still loves his mama. We've been talking to a breeder in Louisiana about adding a girl....a new addition soon?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Taking it for granted...

The rays that is. Before you know it Summer is over and I just never feel like I took full advantage of my sun and beaches.

Living in the south we are fortunate enough to have a good 9 months of warmth [at least], but it isn't until that first fall chill that I feel like I'm white and pastey and in need of a beach day.

Like with everything, life gets in the way. I'm so exhausted from the work week I want to be lazy on the couch rather than worrying about getting to the beach for a tan.

The major downside is the sun is free. Once November comes around Ill be paying to go to a tanning bed so I don't like washed out. Another downside: cancer prone lady here. Lol.

One day this CG life could have me stationed somewhere that's freezing for most of the year. What then? Will it ever be warm enough to sprawl out on a lawn chair or cozy up on a beach towel?

Sand between my toes, sweat drizzling off my skin, the smell of salty air and sun tan lotion....
I really should plan a day...

Saturday, August 16, 2008

If only you'd be happy being the best version of YOURSELF.

I always hated the idea of copying.

My mom would try and tell me when my sister or friends would buy the same shirt I had or do something I did that I should be flattered because that's their way of saying, "Hey. I like what you've got [or] I like what you've done so much that I want to do it [or] have it too!"

To an extent that's the truth and that's cool, but when is it a little too much?

It's just so funny when it comes down to someone doing it not necessarily because they like it, but because they can't be a step behind or because they have to be equal or better.

I live my life for me everyday. Of course, being married you have to make sacrifices and compromises, but I don't compare my life or make standards for myself based on others lives. I am happy for my friends in their successes and I ache for them in their pain, but what they have or don't have doesn't pave a path for my life.

I don't know if this is even making sense. If some of you know the situation, lol, I'm sure you get my drift. I guess I just wish people would live their lives for themselves and do things for them and not to 'Keep up with the Jones'.

More than anything I suppose it's sad...a little pathetic even, when people do things to make it look picture perfect on the outside. Hey you. You're compensating for something you don't have. So whatever, keep buying your 'hapiness'. Paint the perfect picture. But just know in the end. It doesn't make it R.E.A.L. So just STOP! Be you. Live your life. Stop. It's annoying.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

JUSTICE!

Long story short:

Our thief was caught! And I feel...fairly safe again:)

Friday, August 8, 2008

HOW DARE YOU?

So...attempted robbery at our casa. Goes like this:

I get home and immediately let our puppy out real quick. When I come back into the bedroom it sounded like a window was open. We really never leave our windows open. So I go look over because the blinds were closed and down as always and I see a BUNCH of glass all over the floor. I lift open the blinds and see our window is TOTALLY busted out. It's a big triple paned window. This was no accident. I ask the guy above us who was sitting on his porch and he said thirty mins. prior he heard a loud crash while he was inside, but just thought something was dropped.

My guess, they busted the window out and scared the f*ck out of my dog who probably started barking like crazy and as they heard the dog bark, but couldn't see because the blinds were down and closed they probably didn't know what they'd be getting (dog wise) had they pursued and made the decision to leave.

My question for all you THIEVES-

WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? How dare you come to where I've made MY home, where I have worked for all the things I have and try to STEAL what my JOB provides me with. HOW DARE YOU make me feel scared and uncomfortable in MY HOME where I should feel calm and relaxed. At the risk of agreeing with stereotypes you UN educated, poor, PATHETIC, D*CK... F*CK YOU! Who raised you? Someone must have instilled some sort of black and white or right and wrong. You cannot be that ignorant. How about get off of your lazy a*s and get a j-o-b. How about work for the things you feel you are 'entitled' to. How would you feel if some SELFISH THIEF broke into YOUR house or your mothers house and stole YOUR THINGS? Because let me tell you something, MY Sh*t is MY SH*T!

I hate thieves. I hate you.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Where are you Christmas?

Yesterday Nick and I spent all evening thinking of our favorite Christmas songs and then singing them. We seriously cannot wait for Christmas.

Eggnog, Carols, Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, family, Jesus, wreaths, mistletoe, presents...

This year is going to be quite different from our old traditions. My families Christmas normally lasts days...

Day 1- The day before Christmas eve my parents take my sister and I to do a little shopping, we go to a nice dinner, and see a movie. When we get home we're allowed to open one gift! Mainly, a little chance for us to be together before the craziness starts.

Day 2- Christmas Eve we wake up in our home and open presents from each other only. That afternoon we drive to Ocala to stay with my Dad's parents. That night we open presents from my dads side.

Day 3- Christmas morning we open presents from 'Santa' and then go to church. Then we go to my moms side and open their gifts and spend time with them.

What will this year bring? I have inherited a new family, well two, because Nicks parents are divorced. We will have to spend time with my family, hopefully extended family, Nicks dad's side, and his mom's side. How will we find time...to divide the time?

I hope amongst the strain to devote time to all of our families we don't forget all the fun that Christmas can bring. Maybe this year we will develop new traditions, better traditions, 'our' traditions.

All I know right now is how badly I want to hear, "Baby it's cold outside" or, haha, "The Redneck 12 Days of Christmas!" This Florida girl is looking for to a little chilly, NOT COLD, but chilly weather. I want to see others share the Christmas spirit, hopefully some smiling faces, sharing, generosity...

WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU CHRISTMAS? Could it be? You are really 142 days away:(

Monday, August 4, 2008

Ode to football

Cookouts or tailgates, beer, at the game or at the bar, in the jersey, sporting the colors. College or pros, how happy I am that football season is BACK!
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Last night I enjoyed a pre-season game, Colts and Redskins, neither my favorite team, but satisfying my hunger none the less:)
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Shocked? A girl who enjoys football? Oh but I do. It can be considered sexist assuming women would prefer cheer leading for the games rather than watching them, but there is something about watching my teams!
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I have referred to 'my team(s)' twice so I'm sure at this point you are wondering which they may be...
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When it comes to college I am a Gator girl all the way:) In fact, my sister in law and I have made it a yearly tradition to dress up in orange and blue and go walk the streets of The Landing during FL/GA weekend.
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As far as pros you will find me rooting hard for the Jaguars!
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However, I do love my Cowboys too:)
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I'm fortunate enough that even though my husband and I no longer reside in Florida, sad face, we will being going home to at least two Jag games. We have tickets to the first game of the season vs. the Buffalo Bills and another game in December vs. the Colts!
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Maybe when my parents move to Texas we'll get to go to a few Cowboy games. When we lived in Plano when I was younger I can remember taking limos to the Cowboy games and getting to sit in the sky boxes, thanks to my Dads job. It was really exciting then, but there is nothing like being in the stands with all the other crazed fans.
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So...here's to football season:)

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Public Service Announcement: Traffic

How I wish we could have a public service announcement to remind all SLOW people in the PASSING lane to MOVE OVER!

It drives me absolutely crazy, whether I'm in a hurry or not, that people go the speed limit or under in the passing lane. What bothers me even worse is as people angrily speed around them and swerve in front of them they still have no clue that they are being a nuisance.

One thing that amuses me as much as it annoys me, rubber neckers.

It's like you could be stuck in hours of traffic because of an accident. You're sitting in the car thinking, "I know this is because people are driving by SO SLOW to see what happened." You think this the whole time, until, you approach the accident and do the same thing, lol. At that point you're probably thinking, "Well I waited two freaking hours I might as well see for myself." Haha.

Short blog, silly topic, but something that crosses my mind often. I hope this reaches all the slow left lane drivers and accident on lookers;)

Friday, August 1, 2008

Tipping.

I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout much of the world. I have been to some of the best and worst restaurants around. I have been where service is better than the food and vice versa. I have waited hours at times and minutes at others, for meals. But what really effects how you tip?

For me, I take no consideration of how my food tastes or how long it takes to be prepared. I feel like that is solely put on the cook (UNLESS it is brought to my attention that the server has been carelessly taking their time with my order. Sometimes you will know, sometimes you won't. If I don't know, ignorance is bliss for the server because it won't be held against them). However, if I am waiting for a while I would like for you to check on me, often. Let me know my meal hasn't been forgotten and you still know I'm around.

If my order is wrong and you 'memorized' it instead of writing it down. Yes, that bothers me.

If you have absolutely no personality, you're ok. I won't find you fun and entertaining, but hey some of us have a dud day. As long as it doesn't interfere, we're good. But if you are RUDE, watch it.

I guess I'm writing this because I feel like 1 in every 5 restaurants I go to I get bad service. I have never been a waitress, but have worked at a restaurant. Your paycheck is coming from TIPS!!! You aren't paid 'that' well hourly. So shouldn't servers do everything in their power to offer a great dining experience whether you're at Ruth's Chris or Chilis to ensure the customer gives you the best tip possible in the end?

-Don't let the glass stay empty for too long. (Especially if it's my wine glass, hahaha.)
-If the food is taking too long, keep me posted.
-Even if you aren't the most personable person, be polite.

Is that really so hard? I don't know if some people see me and think I'm 'young' so no matter what I won't tip well. That is so far from the case. If I have a decent restarurant experience I am tipping 20%. If I had a stellar restaurant experience I am willing to tip way more, go there way more, and request you.

Lol. Basically, if you can't tell, I had a bad waitress the other night (at our favorite Sushi Bar). It's actually the second time in a row we have had her AND her bad attitude. I just get so frustrated and it got me to thinking about tips.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Sir Hutch of Cottage Hill

My husband has been saying for months that we need a dog. It was something like "we neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed a dog, please please please, we haaaaaave to have a dog!"
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Well, do you know my mom? Growing up we had NO animals; aside from a gerbil, some fish, and a hermit crab. ALWAYS a pet that could be kept in a cage or a tank that had little to no poop. The thought of fur on her couches, barking, meowing, or constant upkeep caused my mom to deny us a 'real' pet. I'm sure at this point you feel incredibly sorry for me and think I have a cold hearted mother. Lol. I do not. She is amazing....and a neat freak:)
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The thought of a dog a couple months ago worried me. My mom's right, you have to clean daily, hourly even, to stay on top of the fur, muddy paws, etc. Nick and I are travelers. Love to be out, see, do...when we vacation we would now have to find a place for our pup. That costs money... Would it be a good dog? Would it be a bad dog? Will it love me? Will it obey? Will it poop or pee on my stuff? Will it? Won't it? Might it?
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My mother in law recommended I read Marley and Me and before I even had time to finish the book...I wanted a dog. We started researching breeders for a breed of dog Nick and I ADORE: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Let me tell you, they are hard to come by, and it took a while before we found one.
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We got Hutch (Sir Hutch of Cottage Hill, per our current residency and the name of one of Nick's bosses, whom I should add, we love him, and his name, lol) on a Sunday. He immediately became our 'baby'. I never realized how much I could love a pet. I didn't know that you could grow so attached.
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My favorite thing about this dog besides his adorable/playful habits, gorgeous look, personality, and temperament is that this dog loves Nick and I with the most unconditional love and it is fully reciprocated. It makes me feel so good to have him follow me around, tap me when he wants to play, cuddle me when he wants to relax, and basically just be near me all of the time.
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After we have him trained and get to our next unit we will happily add another addition to our family, a girl wheaten, so Hutch can have a friend and partner in crime! For now, our family of three couldn't be happier!


This is from the day we got Hutch.



Also the day we got Hutch. Even at 10 wks he was a little to big for me to hold, haha.



Ready for his [long] car ride to his new home!



His daddy was so proud with how quickly he was crate trained!





He got his first hair cut!




And Hutch makes 3:)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Death.

Death brings so many different things for people: joy, sadness, hope, anger, loneliness, emptiness, etc.

I am fortunate enough to still have SO much of my family left. Only two relatives in my 23 years has died. One a step grandma and the other a great grandma.

My great grandma passed away on Sunday and after the sorrow passed...and the guilt....

Lets go off on that note-

Guilt. Since I was 10 years old I lived 1.5 hours away from most of our extended family (Great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) I went whenever my parents went, but when I had a license and my parents trust to drive longer distances alone...I never really CHOSE to visit. I could have...often...and didn't. Now as I get older and their time left is limited, I'm in Alabama...9 hours from them...oh guilt.

So, after that and the sorrow passed I felt inspired, realizing any day could be your last. It made me want to be a better person, want to express my love and gratitude more often and more extravagantly. It made me think of ways to 'live up' every moment and appreciate all the little things.

But of course...life gets in the way. I will forget how strongly I felt when inspiration hit. I will forget the things I wanted and planned to do to make my life a little more significant...until of course the next person passes and I experience it again....When do people say OK. When do people feel strongly enough to put a plan into action? I love my life, but this death made me look at my life as an outsider and evaluate where I can grow...but then it's time for work, time to cook dinner, walk the dog, relax...it's so easy to think, to map things out in your head, but then time gets away from you...and before you know it...it's your turn to go. Will my death inspire someone? Will it inspire them enough to think all the things I thought or potentially inspire someone enough...or inspire the right person that they will take the initiative to make the positive changes they felt necessary?

Here's to hoping I have plenty of years left. Plenty of years to grow. Plenty of years to change. Plenty of years to share my time with those I love. Plenty enough to make that time count. Plenty of time to inspire my husband, my family, my friends, potential students, and my future children. So that maybe, when I do go, I would have made an impact on someone somewhere.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Keep low expectations, so you're not dissapointed.

Why not keep high expectations so everyone is left raising the bar?

I don't know if it's how I was raised, but my family never expected little of me. The highest of expectations were always demanded and only for valid reasons. Mainly to survive in the real world where I could not only be a well functioning human being amongst the rest, but be liked as well.

Be smart, be appreciative, be honest, generous, kind, sincere, loving, energetic, funny, and fun. Have integrity, compassion, strength, and patience.

Do I expect you to believe I posess all of these qualities on a day to day basis? NO! And I don't. We're all sinners. No one is perfect. We have weak moments where we're not quite what we would like to be.

But why expect less as to not be dissapointed?

If we expect little we're telling people 'No need to be the best version of yourself' or 'Do the minimal to get by'.

While I may not exemplify the best qualities every moment of every day I do have high standards set for myself and for others around me:

-Try to relate.
-Offer productive advice.
-Lend a helping hand.
-Throw a card out to express gratitude.
-Tell those around you that you love them.
-Be honest in any and all situations possible.
-At least at one point during every day laugh about SOMETHING.
-Have morals.
-Have respect for self and others.
-Listen.

I guess I just don't understand why expecting less would get anyone anywhere. We should demand for people to be the best they can be. Force our adults and our youth to live up to higher standards. I feel I have said too often lately that the human race is causing me to shake my head. I don't feel like I'm always looking for 'wow factor', but just for people to be decent...will we continue to do only what's necessary to stay under the radar? Or will we offer something up a little more?

Friday, July 25, 2008

You never know what you've got till it's gone.

Oh, how this can be manipulated for so many situations-
.
Does it mean you had something and it's gone, as in, forever.
Does it mean you had something and it's gone, for now?
Is it refering to a friend? family member? loved one?
.
I'm not quite sure if it has something to do with being a military spouse and having been in a long distance relationship with my husband prior to marriage. Or if it's the thought of him going underway and being in a long distance relationship in my marriage, but I would like to say, I think I've always known what I had. Not to go off on a tangent, but to mention what I have, to give you a good idea of why I've always known, would start somewhere with: Handsome, passionate, laid back, and end somewhere with generous, considerate, and hilarious. I think the love I have with him has grown every moment since we met. Through our ups and downs and distance...I always knew what was there.















Friends on one hand...may come and go. Sometimes when they go you think of them often, or here and there, and wish maybe you hadn't separated so suddenly, or even if they had been around a while you wish that your lives hadn't gotten so hectic to be unable to keep them as involved. You might think at that point when months have passed that you had a really great friendship and see how much they meant to you. Hence, 'knowing what you had, now that you don't always have it.'
I think I'm working through this now...having moved with my Coast Guard husband. Starting a new life, in a new place, and having to have left some behind. As I make new friends here, who are all truly amazing, it does make me think of the amazing people I had to leave. Fortunately, none were left in haste and it is up to me and them to keep the friendship alive no matter how many states or countries we may hop too.


Family, I think most can agree, you REALLY don't know what you've got until it's gone. I complained about being 'forced' to go to college, their rules throughout my time living at home, my allowance, their 'uncool' thoughts and beliefs. That only covers parents. Siblings are a whole other story. I thought my sister was so young and so immature. We couldn't possibly be friends...and now...she's my best [friend]. After moving off I realized my parents would have done anything to help prepare me for a bright future. All they ever wanted was to instill hope, faith, brains, manners, personality, etc. for me to succeed in the real world.

It's funny because at this point everything I didn't like in my parents is what molded me to be a well rounded person. Everything I didn't like is what I hope I will be and will use in raising my own children. And everything I never thought I could agree with, get along with, or relate to growing up, ie, sister, has become my closest and best friend and confidant.





Moral of my story I suppose, is I'm lucky. If I didn't already know it was there and needed to be loved and appreciated I ended up finding that I should.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

$The taboo topic of money$

It occured to me for various reasons the other day-

Money has always been important, but depending on status, location, time period, etc. it has meant different things to different people.

For example, during the depression, or even more broadly, in the hard ole' working days of some of our grandparents, money was about paying the bills and putting food on the table. Its main purpose, could be said, was for the day to day to pull through.

Now a days, money is more about the social ladder. You need money to live in the big house, drive the nice cars, have the fancy clothes, game systems, and extravagent vacations. For some maybe to spoil their children, ie, buying their love (another blog unto itself). Many people surely believe money can buy hapiness.

We have children believing money grows on trees, men and women trying to 'marry up', basically making people feel like they need to get their next fix (paycheck, allowance, wealthy significant other, etc.) to catch up or stay in with 'that' crowd.

Is love never first? Is it really secondary? Are we too concerned with our spouses/girl&boyfriends/fiances ability to support our exceptionally large spending habits/desires? Are teaching children morals coming in line after offering them all the latest outfits and games? Are we more concerned about impressing others than benefiting ourselves in ways that really matter (education, personality, etc.)? What does this behavior offer our future?

So this blog may seem a little drastic to some, right on target for others, or maybe a little too nice...a mere thought of mine that I have been pondering daily.

A preface:

For those who know me, I am sure you would agree, to say I'm full of opinions doesn't begin to cover it. Some opinions are welcomed...others not so much. Shared or not, at the end of each day whether it be my own personal experience, someone elses, or just a lingering random thought, I'm always left with something to say. Shocking? No, I'm quite talkative, but whether I advertise my site with tons of friends and family or just a few I think my mind would appreciate a creative outlet. So, here it is to those who come across it: my thoughts, my opinions, in my space off...myspace:)