a quickie

 

unbearably

There's just something about certain smells that can send one into an unwanted time warp back to times past. Sure, most people smell warm, moist brownies baking and think of grandma's kitchen, but not me. I'm a glutton for punishment.

I made the mistake of thoroughly cleaning out J's truck. I tackled it with leather cleaner, windex, car fabreeze, and a little elbow grease. While I'm enjoying being in a (semi) clean truck again, every time I step inside I'm swooped back to almost a year ago. It was an exciting time in my life, but it was also the end of the deployment, well almost (key word there!).

When I arrived in AK and saw the state his truck was in, I vowed to clean it and never let it return to its former state of messiness. Caked on mud that had time to really set in can be a real beast trying to clean! As you may imagine, I used several different cleaners on that baby!

With fumes overwhelming me, it isn't difficult to see why I'm taken back each time. Such powerful chemicals, such a powerful remembrance of the lonliness. The bitter lonliness.

I was so tired of missing him. I just needed him close by.

And you know, what? I feel that way right now, too. I love sharing my life with Captain J...that's why I married him! I know his duty to his job and country can sometimes go beyond what I want or need from him. I know he has to go, but no matter how short the time period he's gone is, I miss him just the same.

A year ago, I wrote this in my journal-

"The end is so hard on us--mostly because we can't wait for the beginning of us."

I'm just grateful I feel the same way today as I did then-

I simply cannot wait until he gets home so I won't have to miss a single second without him that I don't have to. 200 some odd days into this marriage. You'd think I'd want a day or two to myself! I don't, though. Not really. His side of the bed looks unbearably big tonight. I think the couch is calling my name.

hello, laziness

Last time my husband left for any length of time, I slept with the shotgun loaded beside our bed (and worried that drunken bafoons would enter my home), albeit the shotgun wasn't exactly loaded properly...ahem...anyway, moving on. The point is that I know how to load it now (and shoot it if I might add)!

Now that Captain J is away again, I'm doing much better. I guess it gets a little easier each time as far as doing my own thing and being content with a routine or lack thereof. Yesterday I went on another hike out on Chena Hot Springs Road. The weather decided to cooperate despite the forecast looking shabby so I loaded up the truck with fishing gear and dog number one and hit the road. After a short 3 miler, I drove down the road and hit up our favorite fishing spot. I'll admit I felt really bad for leisurely fishing while my poor, better half is out training with the U.S. Army. I didn't feel too bad, though--I was having too much fun!

That night, Nicole, Sarah, and I settled in to watch one of our silly secret indulgences which I can't tell you about. It comes on the family channel and that's all I'm sayin'! We had fun talking about past experiences and making fun of ourselves for enjoying the show. The girls evening in made for a late night so I enjoyed sleeping in late and not having to wake up early to cook breakfast.

Today was lazy! Aside from nearly breaking my hand (and that may be dramatic) and missing my husband like crazy, I'm doing well. I miss him, but I'm okay!

P.S.- The dogs played together today! Progress. Yay!!

Solstice

I had a pretty darn tootin' good weekend. Did I just say that? Anyway, Friday I almost strangled my husband but I ended up sparing him because I knew he had a rough day at the office. Here's what happened--

We were planning a fish fry for that evening so we could get rid of all that prepare some yummy halibut for the new cadets that are shadowing the officers for a while all while simultaneously making them feel welcome in the Last Frontier. J's plans to get off work early fell through and we had yet to go grocery shopping for the sides to go with the meal. I offered to help, but he had it "under control."

The other minor thing he had "under control"? He was supposed to pick up the newest member of our family after she had major surgery! He didn't do that. Oh well...it all worked out thanks to some awesome friends of mine that offered to drive me all over creation that day.

Anyway, did you catch that earlier? The new family member part? We've added another dog to our happy home! Meet Solstice-

We adopted another Alaskan Husky from the animal shelter here in Fairbanks. She's 2.5 years old and cute as a button. She looks a lot like Drifter, which was what orignially drew us to her. Her coloring is much more brown, though and she probably has about 15 pounds on Drifter. She's very sweet, but super skiddish. I think she might have been abused. Either that, or she is just way traumatized from being abandoned and forced to live with a bunch of barking dogs that weren't part of her pack. I felt so bad for her. Her baby blues got me and I knew we couldn't leave her there.

It's been a rough road these past few days trying to make these two dogs get along. They're polar opposites. He just wants to play and she just wants to be left alone. I hope that's just the fact that she was just spayed that is driving her opinions of sweet Drifter. He has already calmed down a bit. I think she has asserted her dominance over him quite well (You go, girl!), but she is still warming up to us. I hope things get better for her. I really do! Isn't she purdy?

[caption id="attachment_1251" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Drifter says, "Pay attention to me!""][/caption]

Saturday was nice, too. Captain J and I walked around town for awhile at the Golden Days Festival and then headed to the farmers market where we found an amazing reindeer sausage hot dog with "Georgia sweet tea"! Oh my gravy, was it good! We then rented movies and came home with rib eyes to throw on the grill. Nice little saturday.

Sunday was good, too. We went on a hike--but that is a post for another day because I want to go spend the time I have left with J because he's off "in the field" again for the next week. Boo!

(*Sooooo, does anyone have any advice on introducing a new pet to the family?)

Love,

I'm Rambling.

Howdy! It's meme time! The first video is for Mama M.'s Five Question Friday. The second is Wife of a Sailor's Milspouse Friday Fill-In. I hope you enjoy!

Crazies and Prayers

I have no idea what's wrong with me. I might be going crazy. It's possible. I just wrote an uber long entry in my journal discussing my insane emotional issues today and I just can't bring myself to post them on here because as I read back through them now, I see that I'm bonkers. I accept it. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm going crazy.

I can't even tell you what all it's about because the issues are so miniscule. I have no idea how Captain J puts up with me. I really don't.

Anyway, now that THAT precursor is out of the way (and you got to see a busty blonde caraciture that doesn't resemble me in the slightest), I'd like to give you a piece of my mind! Don't worry...I won't yell and scream and use the oh-so-insulting all caps. I just wanted to say that phrase.

As a civilian, I have always held our troops in utmost respect. Before I met J was no different. I have a binder that holds every bible study I've ever done since the beginning of college and I will venture to guess that 80 % of my prayer lists have our troops listed there. Why did I just type that? I sound weird and braggy or something. Anyway, I'm proud of those men and women who put their lives on the line for this country and I know what a hard job it can sometimes be. When I married into the military, my perspective began to change. Actually, it grew from admiration to a proud feeling that I can't really describe. I almost feel unworthy to be a part of or affiliated with the Army, but I know my role in standing by him is important, too.

When Captain J's brother, Jesse, commissioned into the Army this past December I was equally proud. I never imagined I would be considered part of a military family but now I am...and I guess I always was (both grandfathers served as well as my stepdad). Anyway, while I'm very happy for Jesse, I'm also sad, too. He's off to Germany. Half of me is jealous, but the other half is excited for him because I know he'll have a great time exploring that part of the world. I just know that I was really looking forward to seeing everyone together again when we finally make it home and then I realized that he probably won't be there. I hate that!

This Army life can be difficult, but it's our life right now and I wouldn't change it a bit.

I wouldn't change the military part, but I might tinker with some other small things like my crazy, annoying, yet loveable dog who I have recently renamed- "The Dog That Broke The Camel's Back". Or maybe I'd change the fact that my roots are showing. I'm sporting them around Fairbanks, slightly ashamed. I'm going to peace out now and try to hit the hay. It was my hope in writing this that you might pray for my brother-in-law today as he makes his way to Germany. Oh, and if you're really tight with God, could you ask him to help me from the downward spiral into the looney bin? Thanks a million!

Love is an Action Word

There's little else better than having the rain dance lightly on my roof with a cup of hot tea in my hand and my husband, my best friend by my side. Yes, I'm in one of those moods. If you were looking for a slightly emo and poetic post, you might want to tune back in later because I don't think tonight is going to be the night for that.

My fingers graze my keyboard in hesitation, though. There's so much on my mind, but I fear I've bored you with it all before. There's only so many times one can say, "My dog did this..." or "My husband makes me happy because..." or "Alaska is so cool..." or "What the heck am I going to do with my life?" before you all will quit reading my little part of the internet world all together. This is not me complaining, though. It seems if I did have something to write, my odds are 50/50 that it could be something bad. I like to think of life that way. I'm thankful for the present- I'm healthy and happy and taken care of. What more could I ask for? Elizabeth Towne once said...

"It is by the best use of what we have that we learn our lessons and get ready for more things in a higher class."

Periodically (and by that I mean hardly ever and doesn't happen enough), I really try to delve deeper into myself and become completely introspective in my thinking of how I got to this point in my life and how I feel about it. I also wonder what attributes I would like to keep and I think of those that should be discarded. I know I have a lot within myself that I'd like to work on, but I also know that I've come along way (baby!).

Thinking back to a year ago makes me see how drastically my life has changed. During the last few weeks of July 2009, I was preparing to pick up my entire life I had built in Tennessee and plop myself down in the interior of Alaska and try to make it work. Sink or swim.

It's crazy what a driving force love can be, isn't it? I remember saying, "I'll never live in Alaska" and wholeheartedly believing that I wouldn't even visit. I remember my cynical self denying the possibility of love at first sight. I can also easily recall my dwindling faith in good, solid marriages. Those relationships existed only in the older generations or a very select few couples my age...or so I thought.

Living on love, I picked up my life and moved here to be with my soldier who I mostly knew via letters, emails, and Skype calls. I could count on my hands how many times I had seen him yet I knew that I would be with him forever. Saying that still feels odd to me because I was just not that girl who would believe such nonsense. Sure, I would hope for it but I never thought it was real.

Shortly after I arrived here, my then future mother-in-law told me this:

"Love is an action word. You have moved your whole life to be closer to my son and I am so thankful for that..."

I haven't forgotten those words. Love is an action and it's a choice every day. Knowing this and learning this has been the catalyst for the most change in my life this past year. Waking up every day and doing things for Captain J that seem small, but I hope are significant to him makes me happy. Opening up my bible and studying God's word and praying to Him shows my love in a spiritual sense. There are so many ways I can inspire change in my relationships with a simple completion of one little task.

Love is an action.

Rain is a good thing...

It's been rainy here a lot lately. The forecast isn't looking very bright either, but that's okay with me. Yesterday, Captain J and I didn't let the cold rain stop us from enjoying his time off. We made a trip to the cultural center in town to learn more about the area. Don't you just love random facts? Here's two that I found fascinating:

* Ground squirels bury themselves beneath the ground, curl up in a ball, and wait out the winter while their body temperatures drop to the lowest ever recorded in a living animal---> 27 degrees!

*Moose have a filmy, fuzzy layer on their antlers that is discarded and rubbed off during mating season.

Just, FYI....haha

There was also an exhibit portraying what the Northern Lights look like (for those who haven't seen them, of course). It made me realize how much I'm going to miss Alaska. And dare I say it? I sort of missed winter. The pristine white blankets of snow and the incredible displays of Aurora Borealis make it completely worth spending a year up here. I don't think I've ever posted any Northern Lights photos for you all so I thought I'd share this one that J took right outside our place...

It's going to be hard to pick up our lives and drive out of this lovely state. I'm sure we'll be back to visit, though!

Later that day, we made a trip to the book store, yet again. They were having a buy two get one free sale so we definitely had to take them up on that offer. I should be set now. I have several books lined up to read and I'm thoroughly enjoying the one I'm on now. Reviews to come!

Afterwards, we drove back to our little cabin in the woods and listened to the tin roof sing as the rain poured down. It made for the perfect scenario for a movie night with my hubby. It has been a pretty good weekend. I'm going to get off here and enjoy the rest of it...Captain J is leaving me again soon. :(

Much love,


P.S. Can you picture my dear little nephew singing "Rain is a good thing..."? He's the cutest. Perhaps I can get my sister to send me a video to share with you all.

Vlog Central y'all!

I pictured Paula Deen saying that title and it made it a lot cooler for me. Anywho, if you're here from Mama M's 5QF blog hop then you've come to the right place! If you're looking for Wife of a Sailor's Milspouse Friday Fill In, you needn't fret...just scroll down a bit. It's the second video :) Thanks for taking a peek!

Oh my word...

Oh my word....

press. Thank you for being here for me when I need to vent. As I type, it's a little bit easier to deal with the terrible excuse for a band that is now sounding through my house. Yesterday, some kid came over and proclaimed that he had finished the skate park he was building in his yard and to celebrate, he was throwing a party...in the middle of the week. Am I old or is this just completely disrespectful? I don't mind some loud partying every once in awhile and if a goal is accomplished, by all means, party your little heart out. But let's be real...it could wait until the weekend. Jus' sayin'!

I'll try to venture away from the complaining now.

Anyway, would you like to hear some good news? I will say that I'm sort of lacking in that department right now, but I am pleased to report that my countdown to going home is now in the fifties (days). This is exciting because I cannot wait to visit with all my people, but it's also looming for me because I know I won't be able to see or hear from my husband for a whole month. I really hate that.

I would go into detail about how our date to leave Alaska has been denied or I could whine about the fact that Captain J will be training again soon and will be gone for a week or two...again, but I won't.

I quit complaining, remember?

Instead I'll tell you about some happies-

1. Nicole and I got to hang out a lot this week. I now have a workout buddy, a scrapbooking pal, and someone to drag to the dog park with me, kicking and screaming!

2. Today, Sarah and I met up for a visit at Barnes and Noble. I think I've told you before how that is totally my happy place. It was nice to chill with her by the fire there (F-banks was somewhat chilly today...it was a nice change) and talk about everything under the sun.

*It's really great to have girlfriends here.

3. I enjoyed 2 Skype calls from back home this week which was wonderful, as always.

4. Captain J and I went to see Knight and Day for our date night this week. (Can someone explain to me why people think date night is a bad thing? I keep seeing that on blogs and such.) The movie was pretty good- nothing spectacular, but I was glad we went to see it. We also made plans to go all out when Harry Potter comes out in November. I'm talkin' ties, robes, wands, and the whole works. Don't believe me? Stick around...there will be photos.

Alright folks, I'm going to attempt to sleep. I have an interview in the morning and a test of my vast knowledge of clerical duties at a temp place in town. I would say "Wish me luck" but honestly I'll be fine with whatever outcome. I always hate interview questions anyway- I never know where I see myself in five years. Does that make me a bad potential employee? I think not.

Tata!

I dare you!

Oh, what to write...Wait, I know! I'll tell you about the time my infamous words, "...I dare you to lick it!" came out of my precious little mouth.

It was a weekend much like any other weekend in high school was. I was hanging out with my friends, of course.  We decided to take a trip to good ole Livingston, TN where my friend, Meaghan, had family residing. I now consider these people an extention to my own little bubble that is my family for I have spent so many good times with these genuinely nice and witty people. Anyway, they have this amazing piece of property in the middle of nowhere, Tennessee that Meaghan and I just loved getting lost on. We spent time in their cabin down by a river, we four-wheeled across fields, and watched the town fall apart at the hinges when a local barn burnt down. Life is beautiful there. It's simple. It's great.

One evening, before the sun went down, Meaghan decided she wanted to go for a ride on one of the four wheelers through the open field. Nevermind there had been cows grazing the area not long ago. She hopped on, holding tightly to her cousin while I waited back at the house with the aroma of Josephine's excellent home cookin'. Ten minutes later there were half scream-half laughs erupting just outside the screened swinging door. I heard incomprehendable yells as Meaghan reached the top of the stairs and proclaimed, "Josephine, tell me you have stain remover!"

You see, Meaghan neglected to think about why you couldn't pay me to ride a four wheeler in that field. I didn't partake in this evening activity because I knew that gobs of cow poo would prevent me from losing all my inhibitions and enjoying the ride. No, I simply could not let my hair down, close my eyes, and pretend I was flying.

Meaghan, on the other hand, thought she could until, that is, a big, smelly, brown blob of you know what smacked her right on her new hoodie. Yuck!

After she asked her aunt for stain remover, I didn't miss a beat as I said, "After you wash it, if there's still a stain, I dare you to lick it."

And that, my friend, is one statement I'll never live down. Apparently, it's weird? But today, I still look at it as a pretty legit dare.

(This post was written in honor of my dear, LP, who is celebrating a birthday this weekend without me. I'm super sad I can't be there, but I'll be there in spirit. I miss you so! Happy Birthday, dear. I love you!)

The More You Know:On Pregnancy

Fairbanks had a trunk sale this weekend. Having just had my sister in town, talking of all her fabulous finds from yard sales back home, I just had to check it out. I love the idea that someone's trash can truly be something I treasure. Later on, I'll show you some of my finds. Back to the trunk sale, though--I was less than impressed. I did have a good time meandering through the junk with a good friend and picking up books that I found interesting. One such book was one of those random facts types. I flipped it open to an entry about the origin behind why women crave oddities during pregnancy. I decided to delve into this topic a bit further and do a little research of my own as this is something that will probably (hopefully) affect me at some point in my life.

-Cheese Whiz sandwhiches

-Egg plant as a pizza topping

-Pickles & Ice Cream

-Salsa

-Steak fat

These foods seem bizarre enough for all of us non-preggos who haven't experienced an aching for seemingly disguisting food combinations, but did you know that some women actually crave other more dangerous substances?

The term, pica, is used to describe the longing for nonfood items. Some women report craving things like cigarette butts, laundry starch, coal, chalk, and soaps. 

There's an argument that women often crave certain things because there's a deficiency in them that is calling out to be balanced. For example, a craving of chocolate may be said to be a result of a Vitamin B deficiency. Who doesn't crave chocolate, though?

On the other hand, this quote from Elizabeth Somer may say it all-

"If people craved what the body needs, we would all eat more broccoli and less chocolate."

Whatever the reason, I often find it fascinating how complex the human body is. There's always something new to learn about the human race with medical advances happening daily. We're intricate beings-so much so that we are still able to discover new facts about the human body many, many, many years after it was originally designed. To me, it's only further proof of a God that knows us from the inside out and designed us perfectly.

What did you crave when you were pregnant?

References here and here.

(P.S. I hope you sang the first part of the title how it is meant to be said.)

Friday Fill-In

It's time again for Milspouse Friday Fill-In over at Wife of a Sailor!

A beep-no-more vlog

Head on over to Mama M's page, My Little Life, to play along!

Scooby Doo Ending

First off, let me say a big thank you to all who suggested books for me to read. I was truly excited by the responses and I look forward to settling down on my couch and curling up with a good book!

I don't have a lot to say today but I do have a lot to get done today so I fear that this post will be quite random, but that's how I usually roll. I have some stuff to catch you up on-

For example:

Our bedroom needed an update (a cheap update) so I went to Walmart to piece together some items I liked and voila! It's a much better place to be now. I love those colors. It's kind of ridiculous how I keep going back to them. My bedroom in college had similar colors and my bed at my parents' house does, too. Well, I guess that's not my bed anymore...so weird. Moving on...

I also taught Drifter to shake:



He seems to be calming down a lot. I hope the puppy days are coming to a close, but I don't think I could be so lucky. He has really good days, but he can still be a slight terror at times, too. The good thing is, he's too cute not to love.

Oh, man...Now here's a funny Drifter story-

(Imagine a scooby doo ending here)

I rolled over early one morning because of the symphony of dog barks and the audible sound of tires crunching over gravel. Too sleepy to pay it much mind, I laid still, willing myself back to sleep. Then the barking ceases and there's the distinct sound of someone leaving our driveway. I was curious so I peeked outside to see a jeep, speeding away. It was then that I realized I couldn't hear my annoying sweet puppy's vocals any longer. I woke up J fully and said, "That's odd, Drifter is quiet now" to which he jokingly responded, "Maybe whoever that was stole him." Not funny.

I raced to the window to look out into the backyard at our dog, but he wasn't there. Frantic, I tried to make sense of the situation. All I could conclude was that someone in a white jeep took off with our furry child. I alerted J to the fact that Drifter was indeed missing and, call me crazy, but I expected him to jump into action. When he did nothing of the sort, I became infuriated. Did he not care that someone stole our dog? I was so worried that he was taken from us because he is so annoying and that he would soon meet an untimely demise. I knew there was no possible way that someone liked him so much that they wanted to take him. I'm a realist, people.

Anyway, long story short- Drifter broke his line trying to get at the neighbor's dog, Otie, who was taunting him on our lawn. After 30 minutes of near-tears, we see ole D-Nugget barreling at us full force. I was so happy that he was alive and well. I probably hugged him for five minutes, not letting him out of my sight. Sheepishly, I turned to Captain J and apologized for freaking out for no reason but then I scolded him for not jumping in immediately to save the day. His response?

"I track down people for a living. I was just remaining calm and piecing together the facts. There was no need to over-react. Did you want me to chase after the jeep?"

MEN!

It turns out that jeep that I desperately wanted to call the cops on belonged to two of our good friends. Now wouldn't that have been funny? I guess we can conclude that I love my dog more than I let on ;)

Adios.

OPEN ME

I thought about gushing over the endless Edward/Jacob debate for this post, but I suppose you Twinerds already have heard it all. I would tell you that I just can't choose...I don't know what I want anymore...but that might just be too geeky to post on my oh-so sophisticated blog.

*This is the part where I'd insert a lovely photo depicting these two fine looking gentlemen, but I'll spare you (If I must).

Seeing those movies makes me truly miss being engulfed in a story like that. There have only been two series in my reading world where I would quit with the homework and literally forget to eat because I just couldn't put down the book. Only Harry Potter and Twilight have done that for me. Both series came in the midst of important scholarly milestones in my life. I read HP as I was supposed to be finishing my thesis my senior year in college. Then Twilight came along in grad school proving it to be a dangerous combination. Luckily, I'm bloody brilliant and it wasn't a problem ;)

I have other favorite books and authors, of course, but I'm missing that feeling of wanting to do nothing but lose myself in a story. Do you know what I mean? When I read the last page of the Harry Potter books, I was seriously sad. I didn't know what I would do. I fought the urge to pick up the very first one and start all over again. I want another story like that! I need a book that screams, "OPEN ME!"

Any suggestions bloggy friends? Do you have a book or series that you're in love with?

I plan on reading a lot more. I rarely watch T.V., but I sure can waste time on the internet! Have you checked out my Book Review page? There you'll find the books that I've read this year. The number isn't what I'd like it to be, but I plan on upping that soon. I have so many books I have yet to read lying around here. I better go get started! I'm currently reading Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. What are you reading these days?

A silly vlog dance-

Blink 182

Just breathe, I thought to myself. He's not going to change his mind. My frantic thoughts were sporadic. One moment I was laughing, enjoying a nice afternoon with two of my favorite women. The next moment I was wondering if my shoes were too much or if my veil was too wrinkled. I was worried that I might break a nail then later, that he might change his mind. Extreme uneasiness melted into a complete sense of peace. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[caption id="attachment_1163" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Still in the PJs"][/caption]

This was the excitement of my wedding day. There were no concerns over seating or music. My friends weren't close by in questionable dresses they'd never wear again. I didn't have to pay for a cake that I didn't need to eat. 

It was only me. It was only him. It was only us.

On our big day, my knight in shining armour picked me up at my house and we drove to our destination, a chapel in the hills of Tennessee. On the way, we checked each other out- both impressed by how we cleaned up! We also belted out 80's rock ballads and laughed until our cheeks ached.

[caption id="attachment_1166" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="An encouraging farewell hug from Mom"][/caption]

This was all I ever needed. HE was all I ever needed. I love that man!

Today we're celebrating 182 days of wedded bliss. While this number isn't really significant in any way, it is still a reminder for me to take this marriage one day at a time. Through good days and bad, through happy and sad, he's the best friend I'll forever have.

Love you, Captain J!

Maybe one day we'll get our ceremony for everyone to enjoy, but until then it's fun to look back on the day it all began! :) 182 days went by in the blink of an eye. I'm sure the next will, too which is why I am thankful for each and every day I get to spend with him.

Moose, Caribou, and Eagles...Oh, My!

While my sister & brother-in-law were in town, I wanted to make sure we got down to Denali National Park so they could see that area. The day we went was perfect. The weather was beautiful and the peak of Mount McKinley was out from the clouds, which is a rare treat.



I forced encouraged them to try a short hike up this bad boy...





I told you the other day that we saw lots of wildlife and that was true for this part of the state as well. We saw bull caribou, moose, fox, and an eagle. I was happy to have been able to show them around this awesome state!







We later made a trip to see the all important Alaska Pipeline.



Most of their visit was spent just exploring and looking around at scenery such as this:



I was so glad to get to spend some time with them and I'm missing them already.

Despite sending my sister off on a plane back to TN, Captain J and I still had a pretty darn good July 4th. I hope all of you did as well. Wanna hear a patriotic song from a super cute kid? Click here.

More later!

Independence Day

I knew this would happen.

I braved the dusty, sticky steps of the staircase barefooted to float downstairs to the extra bedroom that inhabited my family less than 24 hours before. I miss them already.

I've never really been away from my family. Sure, I've traveled but that was only temporary. I suppose I was "away" from them in college, but nothing a short drive on the interstate couldn't fix. When I moved up to Alaska last August, it was a huge change for me in so many ways but it was especially difficult because I was leaving behind so many people I care for.

Now, I'm sitting here on my couch in Fairbanks, Alaska. My thoughts are a million miles away, though- with all the people I love and miss dearly. I wonder how they'll be celebrating the Fourth. I'm sure Mom, Joe, and Jake will make a pit stop at the parade. They'll probably score some candy as they stand on Pap's front lawn visiting with family and friends. Dad, Julie, and the kids are surely celebrating on their new boat out on the lake, watching fireworks, and listening to good music. Meaghan is getting into all kinds of trouble out on the water, too and I'm sure Laura, Miranda , and the rest of my friends have fireworks plans in the mix. I wonder how my sister and her kids will celebrate the big day. It is sure to include a "happy birthday" song to their daddy who shares his birthday with the ole U. S. of A. I'm thinking of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends alike and wishing desperately that I could be back in Dixie just for one night.

But when I focus on why I'm here--in support of my husband, the United States soldier, my heart swells with pride. It's because of people like him, defenders of freedom, that allow me to enjoy being born into this country and into the family that I was graced with. For now, I'll focus on the luxury of having Captain J stateside this year for this special holiday. But please know all you Tennesseeans reading: You are missed!

Happy 4th of July to you all!

Old Glory, Halibut, and Family

Happy Fourth of July! I can't tell you how blessed I feel to have been born in the greatest country in the world. I still believe in America and her greatness and I'm proud to be a part of the land of the free and the home of the brave. I'm even prouder to be a military spouse, something I never thought I would be. My thoughts and prayers are with all those families who don't have the priviledge of spending this holiday with their loved one/soldier. Thanks to all those who serve!

Speaking of the greatest country in the world...

I've been exploring the gloriousness that is the state of Alaska. My sister and brother-in-law paid Captain J and me a visit this past week which explains my recent hiatus from this blog (sorry!). We packed the truck down with all sorts of luggage and made the eight-ish hour drive to Seward, Alaska. Stop Number One? Why...fishing, of course!

We were pleased to have good weather while we were fishing. The drive down was dreary and rainy so the pleasant weather and good fishin' brought smiles to our faces. I'd just like to say...

I caught the most fish out of the four of us! (*8 feeshy feeshies) Woo hooooo!

I didn't catch the biggest one, though.

These were the biggest fish I have ever caught though...by far. I had so much fun reeling in halibut, cod, and arrow tooth flouder fish. A girl can get spoiled doing the charter thing. It just seemed so easy. I'll tell you what wasn't easy, though- Reeling in time and time again is a workout! I created my own style which most people on the boat were probably snickering at, but it worked for me. The (boat) Captain told me I won the style award. Ha!

We saw a lot of wildlife, as usual, too. My sister, Paige, got some good photos of mountain goats grazing a nearby area:

This trip south was only the beginning of their visit. We got into all kinds of fun all week, but I'll have to save that for a later post. I'm going to get off the computer now and watch Star Wars (if I must) with my dear Captain J. I hope you all had a great week in my absence and I hope this one coming up is even better!

Let's talk soon, shall we?

Love,

If Morse Code bothers you...

Do not watch! This silly computer camera is beeping...and it's pretty annoying. Ugh! Anywho...

These are my answers to Five Question Friday (by Mama M.) and Milspouse Friday Fill-in (by Wife of a Sailor)

If you make it through it, thanks! If not...I still love you.