tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10779767757108302142024-03-13T15:02:08.411-04:00Run Silent, Run DeepThe adventures of a Navy wife and her Submariner husband. Here goes nothin'!submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-90178400280530801492013-03-24T21:54:00.000-04:002013-03-24T21:54:29.155-04:00you do not air your dirty laundry in public.I felt like watching some trashy TV on netflix, so I started watching Army Wives.<br />
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It's surprisingly hard to watch, actually. A lot of it is way overdone and ridiculous but there are some awfully realistic scenes. Basically anything doing with deployment really hits home right now. I know for Ax and I it's different, and it's different because we're Navy and not Army.<br />
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But I'll be damned if I haven't had some tear-filled moments. And not many things make me cry.<br />
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I really miss Ax. It's only a few more months. I can do this. I will not quit or let it get the best of me.<br />
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Simon is currently sleeping with his nose smooshed into my thigh and keeps giving me a dirty look because he can't breathe. aaaannnddd he just farted. gross. ughhh.<br />
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I am trying to repair my mom's raggedy ann doll that her foster dog...ah...mugged. Poor Ms. Ann was decapitated and then lost half her face. Her dress was also torn, but it's so shredded I can't fix it. New fabric is on the way to make her a new dress. I'm kind of excited--I've never made any kind of clothing before! I'm still a bit apprehensive about giving Ms. Ann a new face. The original face was embroidered, and I've never done that either. Good thing I have a ton of muslin to work with. haa.<br />
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Other than that, not too much is happening around here. It rained for a solid 36 hours, which is...interesting. I have never seen it rain that hard for that long.<br />
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Time for some tea and then more puppy cuddles. as long as Simon doesn't fart more. p.u.!submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-14222707245740318232013-03-20T12:44:00.000-04:002013-03-20T12:44:01.661-04:00Some rambling thoughts.So I'm taking this writing class on coursera.org. I've come to realize I'm probably not as good of a writer as I like to think I am. My writing abilities are something I've always taken pride in, and now that the pride in those abilities is shaken I don't really know what to do.<br />
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Once again, the lack of gainful employment is leaving me in doubt about my worth in this world. Gotta love those mini life-crises...<br />
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Humpf. If Ax was here I probably wouldn't feel so shitty about it all. But he's not, so I just gotta pick myself up and carry on. I will allow this as a pity party day. What I will not allow is emotional eating. I can have all the tea I want, but there will be NO emotional eating. Not even allowing vegetables for emotional eating. I HAVE to break that habit.<br />
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On an unrelated note:<br />
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I can't believe it's almost April. Where has March gone? In fact, where did 2012 and the beginning of 2013 go?? Dear time, please slow down. I'm trying to keep up but you're moving faster than I am!<br />
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I kind of fell off the diet/exercise bandwagon. Today, as mentioned, is my pity party. Tomorrow I will get back to my calorie counting / primal diet habits and do some kind of workout. I haven't really gained any weight but I do feel sluggish and sad more than when I was working out every other day.<br />
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The FRG meeting last night was interesting. It was my first meeting, so I didn't really know what to expect. I signed up for the homecoming committee...I would have volunteered to be the head of the committee but I feel like I'm not quite qualified since this will be my first homecoming. We'll see what happens, I suppose. I added a few of the women on facebook. Now maybe I can actually make some friends instead of just seeing them at events and meetings.<br />
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April's meeting has a make it / bake it / fake it thing, which is an auction of sorts. I'm trying to decide what to make. I have just about a month to put something together. Hmmmmmmm.<br />
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With that, now I'm gonna go make tea and watch cartoons. Because I'm mature like that. Yep. Simon will continue to whine that he's not allowed out while it's raining.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-18939131445535479392013-03-17T19:34:00.002-04:002013-03-17T19:34:54.505-04:00I'm just too far, from where you are...Hmm...where to begin today.<div>
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Well, Ax called again this morning and wanted to know if we could have a "wedding" when we go back to WI for the holidays. It's starting to creep me out how much we're thinking alike while he's gone. First similar dreams, now this? What on earth is deployment doing to us? haha. :)</div>
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So I spent a lot of today on theknot.com looking at stuff. My problem right now is I have TOO MANY ideas! I have settled on colors: navy blue (ish, I don't want true Navy blue!) and champagne. I wanted to stay away from the "traditional" reds and greens that come with winter weddings. I also didn't want to go too loud with the colors, hence the navy blue -- it's still "appropriate" for the season without being too christmasy. </div>
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Ax's sister is helping me compile a guest list for their mom's side of the family. With Italians, there's going to be A LOT--there's several I haven't met and I don't want them to feel left out. Even if they can't make it, at least they were invited. My mom is helping with my family, and I know most of Ax's dad's side already so that's pretty easy. When Ax calls next we need to hash out the date. Right now I picked 12/28 but to be honest I have no idea what day of the week that is. ha. </div>
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Outside of that, I'm still working on Ax's anchor quilt. Simon and I do a few blocks each night while we watch Netflix (currently going through American Dad, already did all of South Park and Family Guy). Simon and I went for a four-mile walk just a little bit ago, he's finally, FINALLY pooped out and laying down in his crate. </div>
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I have a job interview tomorrow! I am excited at the possibility of getting back into the workforce. Right now I'm doing my nails so they look nice for tomorrow--green, of course, for st. paddy's day! </div>
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I'm also incredibly disappointed that they're getting rid of Google Reader. Whyyyyyyyyy? I love my Reader! It's how I visit everyone's blog at once! hnnn. Guess I'll start looking at alternatives...sigh.</div>
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And with that, off to finish my nails. Then perhaps relax with a small drankkk for the holiday. :)</div>
submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-35915722206083451862013-03-10T16:17:00.000-04:002013-03-10T16:17:38.011-04:00A quiet Sunday...This diet thing is proving much harder than I anticipated. The first week I focused on meeting my caloric intake goals. That in and of itself wasn't too hard. The LoseIt! app has a barcode scanner so adding to my food diary is super easy. It had an update the other day and part of it included a little pie graph of proteins/carbs/fats for each day. I eat WAY, WAY too many carbs and not nearly enough protein.<br />
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The next step in this journey is to bump up the protein intake while lowering the carbs. The fats are kind of steady and aren't overwhelming the protein intake in the pie graphs. I think I'm doing okay there, so for now I'm not going to worry about them. Protein, though...yeesh. Definitely need to work on eating more protein!!<br />
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On top of the diet, I'm upping my workouts as well. I TRIED to use a couple videos I found on youtube, but of course they have to buffer for what seems like hours before I can play them on the PS3/tv. Almost isn't even worth it. So instead I'll keep doing the 30 day shred program and then add in more outside exercise--I've considered doing Couch 2 5K, but I think I need to find a better pair of running shoes. My current pair are pretty old and ratty--I can barely even do the 30 day shred workouts in them because the treads are nearly gone and there's not much support for my feets left. In fact, the only muscles that are painfully sore the day after are the muscles in my feet/ankle areas.<br />
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For now Simon and I will take either longer walks or go for more walks each day. I'm going to drink more water (with lemon, om nom), find a way to eat more protein and veggies (cheap calories but super filling), and start doing my shredding every day instead of every other day. I eased myself into the program, now it's time to actually put all of my effort into each workout.<br />
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I still need to find a scale. The walmart here didn't have a single one. I searched the ENTIRE store! wtf. So either Kmart or Amazon is the next place to look.<br />
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I did have a cheat day yesterday as some of the FRG girls and I went to dinner at a local joint called Sharkbite. I allowed it because 1) I needed some social interaction and 2) I hardly ever go out to eat, period--even before the diet! I tried to make some halfway decent choices but I'm sure it failed miserably. Sharkbite isn't the healthiest place on earth. :P<br />
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Still waiting to hear back about some jobs I applied for....I think that will help me control my eating habits when I get a job. Sometimes I eat when I'm bored or sad--I've been trying to drink water (or a capri sun, they're only 35 calories per pouch) instead of eating but I'm sure you can relate to how well that's been working...lol<br />
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So now I'm going to get some water and some lemon juice to squeeze in, and maybe read a book. I'm not really sure. I don't want to squander the beautiful day but Simon and I already had an hour-long walk today. He's pretty pooped out! So maybe some "sunbathing" in the yard is just what we need.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-43547761202932853612013-03-08T22:44:00.000-05:002013-03-08T22:44:55.133-05:00Project planning!Oh man, a back-to-back update! Holy sheeit man!<br />
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I applied for a couple jobs today. There's only one I really expect to hear back from, and even that is only because I got the impression that they had very few people apply. We'll see what happens, I guess. A part-time job in the city we live in would be PERFECT. It's not too far of a drive (so gas won't be an issue), I could finally contribute to my little family, and I'd still have time with Ax once he's home from deployment.<br />
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After job-hunting, I spent entirely too much money at the commissary. I got hungry halfway through shopping and brought home a bunch of crap I really didn't need. In theory that means next week will be cheaper since I've already stocked up on some stuff. I guess in the end it all balances out.<br />
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I ordered some more fabric today! Two scrap baggies and a charm pack of baby motifs for Ax's cousin who is having a baby in October. I figure it'd make a good christmas gift for her and the baby. Then I set to work on organizing the charm packs I've already got...I have one charm pack that is black/white/gray. I'm gonna make a lap size quilt with it and frame the blocks with some bright red to really make it pop. I'm not sure if I'm going to sell it or give it as a gift. Shit, I just gotta put it together before I can figure out what to do with it!<br />
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Both my sister-in-law and my half-sister-in-law are getting lap quilts for christmas as well. I've picked out a pattern for each girl, and I'm going to start gathering the fabrics I'll need slowly but surely. I figure that in order to have them done for christmas I'm going to need everything gathered by June, since I hand-quilt my blankets.<br />
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Ax's big anchor quilt is coming along slowly but surely. I do a couple blocks every night. Right now it's just a quarter-block, with the stitching about a quarter-inch from each seam. I haven't decided if I'm going to do more with it after that or not.<br />
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On a different note, if you ever get a chance to read the Reacher series by Lee Child, DO IT. I finished the first one, Killing Floor, this morning. It was awesome! He uses the word "nosed" too much in reference to cars pulling out of a parking lot or off a street, but otherwise I think he's an excellent writer.<br />
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I was naughty with my diet and exercise today--it was supposed to be a shred day, and I didn't do it. Then I ate way over my allowed calories for the day. Shame on me! Tomorrow I'll do a shred and maybe another workout from youtube or something. I'm supposed to go to dinner with the FRG at a local place called Sharkbite, so we'll see what I can order there that's reasonably healthy. I expect to have an off day every once in a while...no sense in getting upset about it.<br />
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Now I'm gonna go fill in today's happenings in the little deployment journal I've started while Ax is gone, then grab a new book to read and go to bed. I haven't been sleeping well the last couple nights, so reading is a good way to "rest" without being bored out of my skull when I can't sleep.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-22585427498310047282013-03-07T22:15:00.002-05:002013-03-07T22:15:49.115-05:00My baby loves me just the way that I am.Nothing like blogging and looking at quilty stuff with a nice hot mug of English Breakfast tea. om nom.<br />
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So the diet thing is going pretty well. I've been looking for a multivitamin that isn't as big as my dog's paw, and the nice guy at GNC found a liquid one for me. Next paycheck I'll have to stop in for it. The gummy vitamins hurt my jaw (TMJ), so perhaps this liquid will work. From what I read you can mix it into water or milk or just drink the capful plain.<br />
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I'm using LoseIt to track my food intake; I am SO deprived of protein it's almost sickening. Gonna have to think up more protein snacks. I already have a freezer full of chicken, but chicken gets boring. I don't really enjoy red meat either. And fish has an awful texture I can't get over. Perhaps some nuts? I'll have to google.<br />
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"Our" song comes on the radio here at random and I don't know how I feel about it. On one hand, I love it--the country station in Milwaukee almost never played it. On the other, it just makes me miss Ax so much more than I already do. There is a very precious memory attached to this song and often times when I hear it, it makes me long for those days before all this military business. (In case you were wondering, the song is "Would You Go With Me" by Josh Turner.)<br />
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On the job-hunting front, I've found a couple things to apply for. I think the trick to not getting discouraged is to only do the hunting every other day, or every two days. That way I trick my brain into thinking I haven't seen all the listings before, and I look at them with fresh eyes. That said, I have several applications sent in and a few resumes to drop off or fax tomorrow while I'm out. I'm hoping to get something local instead of having to drive to JAX...crossing my fingers! I'd really love the library position I applied for, but my hopes aren't too high on that one. I'm sure they have a lot of people applying for it.<br />
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We've gotten a couple calls from Ax the last few days! He called from the boat one day, and this morning I got a call before they were going out drinking. They've moved onto the boat but they're still doing work before pulling out of port. At the rate he's going, he'll still be sunburned when he gets back home. Sigh. He's been busy but he seems to be enjoying himself. I suppose if I went to school for an entire year for something, I'd be enjoying actually doing something related to that job as well, instead of standing around doing duty days or exploring a tiny tiny island in the middle of bumblefuck nowhere.<br />
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When he called this morning I told him about a dream I had: we were married, just like now. I don't recall if he was in the Navy or not, but anyway...he cheated on me with a girl we had met at a party. The girl felt bad and eventually came clean. I flipped my shit entirely. I was angry. I remember how angry I was--I woke myself up a little grinding my teeth!--and then she told me that she wasn't the only one. There were 18 other girls he cheated on me with in the span of two years. Then I really got pissed. I said something about how they were both lucky I didn't have a firearm--Ax would have been dead and I would have shot out her knee for hooking up with him in the first place. And then I woke up.<br />
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The whole thing is silly because Ax has said many times he has no skills with women. Considering i did most of the work to get our relationship moving, this does not surprise me.<br />
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What makes it weird is that Ax had a similar dream last night (well, last time he slept. they're half a day ahead of us)! Only he walked in on me in bed with another dude. I apparently crawled back and begged for forgiveness. He woke up feeling really sad. :(<br />
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No one warned me about the weird dreams that are had during deployments! That is the first time we've had similar dreams, and we spent a couple minutes when he called today reassuring ourselves that our marriage is fine and that we're completely loyal and faithful. I think after how real both of the dreams were that we needed that reassurance. Especially since we're so far apart right now.<br />
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Interestingly, time is simultaneously flying by and crawling. I can't believe we'll be entering the second week of March in a few days!<br />
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Time to go look at more quilting stuff. I wish I could win the lottery so I could have a huge fabric stash...haha.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-14293325986324427562013-03-05T22:40:00.001-05:002013-03-05T22:40:42.855-05:00And the world flips upside down again...As I'm talking to my sister-in-law. She is dating a Sailor as well, and he moves to Virginia sometime this year...and she plans to move with him. Nevermind that he might not be able to live off-base until he makes a certain rank, that she may not find a job, that she might not even be accepted to any schools down there... (up there? idk how to phrase it)<br />
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Just...what the <i>fuck</i>? We move away and everything is jumbled like a game of Boggle.<br />
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I understand both the cousin and sister are old enough to make their own life decisions, but DAMN. Did I start a trend by marrying Ax??<br />
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Don't get me wrong, it'd be nice to have some part of the family closer (though VA is still a solid day's drive)...but Jesus Christ. Seriously?<br />
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I'm trying to be supportive for my sister-in-law (maybe I relate to her better), but even this is hard not to criticize her for her choices. I think I'm a bit hesitant to be happy because I know how much shit goes into moving ALL of your stuff across the country--and neither of them have a car to speak of so that's gonna make it even harder for them.<br />
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I'm not saying they can't do it. I'm sure they can make it work. It's just the getting from WI to VA that's gonna be most problematic for them. I don't know that either of them realize how much work it's going to be. That's all.<br />
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Time to go reload the dishwasher...I need some time to process the bombshells I've been under attack from. How do I even explain this to Ax? Jesus...submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-78014425701815788492013-03-04T21:45:00.001-05:002013-03-04T21:45:27.243-05:00Taxes, doggie snores, and dietsI try not to be judgmental. I really do! I used to judge every single little thing back in high school and early college. As I grew and made new kinds of friends I learned not to judge nearly as often as I once did.<br />
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That said, I am just at a loss for words in regards to one of Ax's family members. His cousin got pregnant with a boyfriend she's had for just under four months. She does not practice safe sex in the least, so quite frankly I'm surprised it took this long. Ax was...ah, less than pleased, shall we say? This cousin is pretty close in age to us, so while it's not insane for her to be pregnant, she is not quite in a mental or emotional state to be having a baby. As far as I'm concerned anyway.<br />
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As if that wasn't enough, now she's marrying the baby daddy. How can you know after four months that your boyfriend is the one you want for life? I can't talk about that much--I mean, I did know Ax was "the one" after about 6 months, but I knew him for a while beforehand--but still.<br />
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I just worry for the welfare of this baby. Flying Spaghetti Monster help it, whichever gender it may end up being. I am also glad we're not going to the wedding, since it's during this deployment. Christmas is gonna be interesting though...<br />
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Unrelated, I've been busting my (metaphorical) balls trying to find a job. While I love spending time with my dog, reading, quilting, and whatnots....I wish I had more of a "purpose". I've put in a couple applications so now I just get to wait I guess. Sigh.<br />
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I've gotten a couple calls from Ax so far which is nice. He's sunburnt as all get-out...so I have the odd feeling that when he comes back in a few months instead of being pale as a ghost he'll be back to his normal color. LOL. He'd probably be the only one, too. Other guys have probably listened to their wives about using sunscreen....just sayin'. ;)<br />
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I'm going to get back to the 30 day shred tomorrow. Shark week kicked in today and I just felt so shitty, like I do every first day of shark week. Simon and I had a nice stroll, we took a nap, played in the yard...just kinda took it easy. I am sticking to the diet part pretty well though. I'm really only cutting out junk food and soda, and giving myself a calorie limit via the Lose It app on android. Next paycheck I'm getting a food scale and a body scale. I haven't officially weighed myself, and I think the food scale will help get the portions more accurate. For stuff that's measured in grams I just kinda eyeball it and I'm probably still overeating in the calorie department.<br />
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Today I got our state taxes done at the NEX, and the lady was nice enough to check our federal stuff too. We're getting more money back! It may be...what's a good word...deceiving, but I'm going to stash some of it away without telling Ax. Quite frankly, we have crap for savings and putting a chunk into a savings account will give us a good start. Ax tends to spend impulsively and then we end up broke between paychecks. Our state refund will get us some new end tables after Simon's frat-boy antics a couple weeks ago.<br />
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And with that, I'm gonna go make some tea, watch the dog woof in his sleep, and maybe read some of my book.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-12467797439367697122013-03-02T12:36:00.002-05:002013-03-02T12:36:49.797-05:00Day 1 of new meSo I still ate a shitty breakfast...gave it a few hours and then attempted the first day of Jillian Michael's 30 day shred.<br />
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Holy crap. I did not realize how out of shape I truly was until I tried 20 solid minutes of exercise. I am in awful, awful shape. I managed to do about 15 minutes, I think. And the 5 minutes that I was just dying, I managed to do some part of the exercise--so if it was jump roping, I'd just do the arm movements, for example. It didn't help that Simon thought me derping around meant playtime and I almost crushed his paws<br />
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I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't that. I felt pretty crappy yesterday, so there may be some residual "ick" feeling impacting me as well.<br />
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That said, I will try again Monday. My knees are pretty awful (genetically speaking) and a day of rest will help me accomplish more on Monday.<br />
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I sound like I'm making excuses. I probably am. I'll just continue to stick a cold water bottle between my tater tots (ha) to cool down and write.<br />
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Unrelated, my mom is trying to "help" me find a job. Too bad she's named everything I've applied to and never heard back from. They're struggling too, but they're still making more money than Ax and I am. I'm very grateful they're paying my loans, don't get me wrong. My mom just manages to say things in the worst possible way to make me feel like utter crap. I'm busting my ass trying to find a job, even a part-time one, and have come up with zero. I did apply for a library clerk position but who knows how long it'll be until I hear back. I also applied for some other stuff through the GA department of labor...so I guess now I sit and wait.<br />
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Today I get to do chores, whoopie. It's pretty chilly out for us today, with a wind advisory and whatnot. Simon will be disappointed that he doesn't get to sniff out the open window. haha.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-71827228074773465482013-02-27T19:04:00.003-05:002013-02-27T19:04:32.240-05:00There are days that I don't even have wordsfor the strange things my husband and my dog do.<br />
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For example, I came out of the bathroom this morning to find my dog in his crate like this:<br />
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Just hanging out. Not chewing on a toy, not looking for something, just...laying there like that.<br />
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And then my husband, bless his attempts at interior decorating, had the slipcover for our couch on backwards. How you can do that when there is QUITE CLEARLY a front side (and a tag that says "CENTER OF BACK") I have yet to understand. He's deployed and somehow still manages to leave me weird surprises.<br />
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On an entirely unrelated note, Magpul will have our business for a lifetime. In case you haven't been following the story, Magpul manufactures accessories for firearms. They are based in CO, which is currently in the midst of a battle about assault weapons and "high-capacity" magazines. Not only has Magpul threatened to pull out of CO and relocate if the bill passes, they have now pledged that all residents of CO are able to buy up to 10 "high capacity" magazines before Magpul leaves. The CO people that put in their orders will get theirs ahead of other people who have been waiting for their parts and pieces since the CT shooting. And interestingly, there aren't a lot of disgruntled non-CO residents. I think they respect Magpul and the firearms community enough to not raise a stink, though it sucks that they will now have to wait longer for their supplies. Ax is the firearms nut in the house--I enjoy them but not to the extent he does--and I know this solidifies his decision to continue purchasing from them.<br />
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I started a deployment journal; made from a Smash Book. Walmart has all sorts of stickers and shit designed for the books, so I'll probably pick some up when I'm out. I haven't decided if I'm going to let Matt read it or if it's just going to be for me. Either way, I've been catching up in it--I had a small journal started on my phone, but there's only so much space and I've started having more to say.<br />
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Hand-quilting his anchor blanket is slow progress as well, because SOMEONE with four paws seems to think it's his personal sleeping bag. Sigh. But Mr. Four-Paws is now zonked out on the couch after a walk and playing outside for a solid 45 minutes. At night he "talks" in his sleep and it's pretty damned funny to listen to. He often wakes himself up with his woofing.<br />
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And now I'm off to find something to do. I have a FRG meeting tomorrow that I don't really want to go to, but am going anyway for the human interaction. I hope most of the women decide to drop their kids off for the babysitting. I don't like kids (minus a RARE few). I especially don't like kids who constantly interrupt a conversation.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-83223651533269116292013-02-25T19:11:00.001-05:002013-02-25T19:11:13.689-05:00rain, rain, go away...Please, before my dog drowns me in puddle splashing. Oy vey. I have one very curious dog! We went to get the mail in the rain today, and not only was he splashing around, he was drinking from the puddles. Gross, dude.<br />
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My parentals got on my case because I didn't pay one of my student loans. Which I quickly and politely refuted by quoting an email exchange between my dad and I earlier this month. The bill in question was not my responsibility. I DID have a problem with the one I'm responsible for, but that is being straightened out as quickly as I can. Long story short, Sallie Mae didn't think Navy Fed was a legit financial institution and refused to process my payment...but didn't tell me until I was late on the payment. I swear, Sallie Mae is nothing but trouble. How is NAVY FEDERAL not a legit institution?? Crazy. That said, I wish Ax made enough (read: I wish he got paid enough) that we could afford our own car insurance and to pay for my loans...but alas. It often comes down to if we had one or the other, we couldn't eat. Hopefully he passes his exam while he's deployed so we see a small pay increase...whenever the Navy feels like giving it out. I know, backpay, but still. Sometimes they're so slow when it comes to funds.<br />
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Today I went exploring a bit; picked up a job application for a part-time library clerk at the local library...I'd REALLY love to have this job. I'm gonna have to make this application look AMAZING. Being a librarian was one of my childhood dreams and this is probably as close as I'm gonna get. :P<br />
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I also visited a local bookstore. I was expecting a used bookstore, but this was a one-woman shop full of brand new books! I purchased "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich", which has been on my to-read list for a while. I'm trying to save money and not spend it, so I only allowed myself the one book. haha. There's probably a dozen or more I could have brought home with me...and even when I do buy "in bulk", I try to get used books. There is something to be said for the used-book smell and already rumpled pages. I beat my books to shit, often reading them until I have to scotch-tape the pages back into the books. I respect them, but I make sure they are well-loved! ;)<br />
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And now I must go tend to the dog who thinks that his leash and harness that are out drying are new toys. How can deployment be boring when I have such a terror to keep up with?!submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-82368214348804031282013-02-24T20:40:00.001-05:002013-02-24T20:40:10.522-05:00The days are better, the nights are still so lonelyDeployment is officially underway, as far as I'm concerned. I've heard from Ax sporadically, which helps. I may not be able to see his face or hold him but hearing from him reassures me he's safe. Well, I was told he got sunburned already somehow...so...safe enough, at least? LOL.<br />
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Simon and I have been doing okay so far. We keep ourselves occupied enough I think. I try to play with him more now that I have less household stuff to do (the bills pretty much take care of themselves, there's only one person's laundry to do, etc.). It's been nice enough after dinner but before dark that we play outside. And by play, I mean: Simon grabs his toy and runs around the yard at a full sprint. I clap at him or fake-chase him once in a while when he wants to play chase.<br />
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It's hard to sleep. For me anyway. Simon doesn't seem to have a problem zonking out wherever he's laying. ha. I usually write down what I've done during the day--which is a challenge in itself, as the notepad only has so much space per page! definitely encourages me to use my vocabulary-- then play games or browse reddit until I fall asleep holding my phone.<br />
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The anchor quilt needs to be spray-basted...as much as I dislike it (it irritates my lungs hardcore), this quilt is just too big to baste with thread. And I want to be able to start hand-quilting it on the double! I'm hoping to have the quilting done by the time Ax returns. Ambitious, as it's a queen size...<br />
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I've learned that Simon is afraid of ice cubes. I tried to be a nice mommy and put a few in his water bowl, only to have him refuse to drink from it until they melted. He is also afraid of tall grass (like prairie grass) swaying in the breeze. Thunder is the enemy and must be barked at in the most vicious manner! He hated having his nails clipped at first, though we've made quite a bit of progress with it. I trim the back paws and then it's belly-rub time! Then the front two, a quick ear rub, the dew claws, and we're done.<br />
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(As I'm writing this, Simon is on the other end of the couch grumbling and grrrrr-ing in his sleep. It's so damned adorable. He often wakes himself up by "talking" in his sleep. Cracks me up every time! He also runs in his sleep and manages to hit himself in the face with his paws, due to the way he lays....)<br />
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So I figure I'll take this first deployment a day or week at a time. The weekends seem to be the worst so far, although I've read that feeling that way is common since that's when you spend the most time together as a couple. I'll just have to come up with other things to do instead! It doesn't help that almost NOTHING is open here on Sundays. Being an atheist in the south is a challenge...oy.<br />
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I have a freakin' laundry list of stuff to do while Ax is away:<br />
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<ul>
<li>hand quilt the anchor blanket</li>
<li>puzzles!</li>
<li>find a breeder; we would like another dog and Ax wants a purebred Golden Retriever. </li>
<li>I signed up for some Coursera courses in writing/composition. I figure if I'm not working I gotta keep my brain fresh somehow!</li>
<li>Get paperwork from shelter to be a foster doggie mommy. </li>
<li>File state taxes. We're filing in WI, but for whatever inane reason they won't accept the damn thing online. Why can't it "just work"??</li>
<li>Find Simon an obedience class. Not only to work on his commands but to help him have some "dog time" too. Sometimes I feel bad that he's stuck with me for X amount of months and has no other dogs to play with regularly.</li>
<li>Make a small curtain for the window in the garage (yeah, we have a window in the garage. Sometimes I don't even.)</li>
<li>READ BOOKS! I haven't had the time in so long. ;_;</li>
<li>Keep trying to find a job. TRYING.</li>
<li>Bake lots of yummies and send them up to WI! :)</li>
<li>Take Simon to the beach a few times</li>
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And probably other stuff I'm not even aware of right now. Ha. But there you have it...I guess? I miss Ax terribly. I know he misses me as well, although I'd bet he's excited to finally be deploying after a year of schooling. He's a pretty pasty boy by nature, I can only imagine how see-through he'll be after months on a boat! ;)submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-80011468693848010522013-02-22T21:33:00.002-05:002013-02-22T21:33:49.838-05:00Sprechen Sie English??Ax asked me for a quick tutoring session in German, since one of his shipmates is fluent and he just wants to dick around with the guy once in a while. But the kicker is I had to write it down phonetically. VERY very difficult! I gave him the super basics like counting to 10 (and how to say 11, 12, 13, 14, etc.), yes/no, how to ask where the toilet is, how to ask someone's name (and say his name), how to introduce someone, and of course, how to order a beer. LOL.<br />
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He'll butcher the hell out of the language even with my phonetic spellings, but hopefully this guy has a sense of humor and can understand at least a little bit of what Ax says.<br />
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With that said, I wanted to show the rest of the boat blanket I was making for him. It's done! He loves it! I think it's utter shit but it's also my first completed quilt and full of flaws. I will say it is SUPER freakin' comfy though. If we still lived in WI, that could probably be an emergency blanket for the car and you'd never freeze under it. Wool, cotton, fleece, and flannel.<br />
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My husband agonized over the layout for hours. I'm not even joking. Here is the top that he picked out. If you'll notice, there is a row that is backwards...I ripped the seams and fixed it. Someone was quite agitated about it--BUT he helped me piece the rows together so he can't complain!<br />
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Because Ax is so damned tall, I added another row. The very top row in this picture are extra blocks he didn't use, flipped around to the "wrong" side with some embroidery-ish stitching on them in the square pattern. There was some concern on his end because now the cornerstones don't line up but I told him to shush or I'd cut his legs off. HA.<br />
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Here it is laid out on top of the fleece "batting" (two throw blankets sewn together for length--5$ total at walmart). The excess length is folded under to help keep his feets warm. Ax has shitty circulation in his feet (despite being entirely healthy otherwise), so hopefully this helps!<br />
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I hand quilted the blanket; the couch became the workstation so I could watch netflix and have a comfy seat...our dog, Simon, thought the part I wasn't sewing on at the time was a great pillow.<br />
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All quilted, now it's laid out on the living room floor to be trimmed and bound!<br />
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In addition to being a pillow, it also makes an excellent doggie playmat?? (sigh.)<br />
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The first two edges bound; Ax picked out the flannel backing. It's a baby blue/brown/gold zigzag. It bunched up on me a little bit as I was quilting, poo.<br />
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Binding the rest on the machine!<br />
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Having the feeling that submarine laundry facilities are rough on fabric, each edge of binding has three separate stitch lines. Also in this photo is the kind of "U" shape I quilted.<br />
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After two washings and dryings, here's the finished boat blanket! It's somewhere between a lap size and a twin size. We have a twin size bed in the guest room and it doesn't quite cover the entire mattress.<br />
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And there you have it. My first completed project as a quilter, and the reason I haven't updated since the beginning of the month--every spare moment was spent working on this! I have Ax's OTHER quilt (a queen size, roughly) spread out on the living room floor right now, trying to baste it together. Simon thinks this is also his personal bed and chewing space...oy. and it's not like he's on the other side from where I'm working. No, no. RIGHT next to where I'm stitching. Or he steps on the thread. Or he tackles me trying to get me to play.<br />
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DOG. Please stop. go chew your bone quietly ON THE COUCH OR SOMETHING PLEASE KTHX. lol. He's a goofball and just loves his mommy, so I don't really get too mad.<br />
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Before deployment started Ax and I went to the beach. We walked probably a good two miles, collecting sea shells and people watching. There was an adorable setter running around digging holes and playing in the surf. I'll find a nice day and take Simon just to see what he does when presented with moving water (instead of bath water or rain water) and sand. We didn't take him with originally since we weren't sure if the beach was a dog-friendly one or not. Anyway, it was a great time with him. We made sure to do something special before he left.<br />
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So here Simon and I sit (well, he's laying but whatever). I gave up on this queen quilt for now--the minute I go sit back on the floor and work on basting he'll find a way to be exactly where I need to be. LOL. Tomorrow if it's not raining we'll go for a walk and maybe to the pet store to get a special treat for him. For now, more South Park and maybe I'll work on my Super Mario Galaxy puzzle my brother bought me for xmas.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-29334327839316508652013-02-01T15:38:00.002-05:002013-02-01T15:38:19.876-05:00Fast quilts, halfway boxes, and Friday fill-ins, oh my!That title was more clever the first time I read it. Less so the more I stare at it. Oh well. Screw it.<div>
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Where to start...</div>
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Well, Ax wanted a blanket to take onboard with him since subs are apparently awfully cold. Especially in berthing. I don't understand why exactly, but he knows best. So I started whipping up a quick quilt for him. He has to leave soon so this has to be FAST. </div>
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I had some wool that my grandma gave me..it's imported. I have no idea from where, but regardless, it looks nice and warm! Then I have these colors to go with, since the wool is a dark blue color. To make it piece together fast, the wool is cut into 10" squares; then I have some 5" squares of the above, and finally the 2.5" ones in the picture. Sew (more like applique, but who cares?) the 5 onto the 10, then the 2.5 onto the 5....ta-da! A block done. I don't think I have enough of the wool, so I'm just gonna go as far as I can with what I have cut and then figure it out. I bought spray-baste to help move it along!</div>
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Since subs are tiny spaces, and Ax only has a small rack to store his belongings, the batting for this is going to be two fleece throws that I picked up at walmart. I'll have to sew them end-to-end to get the length, I think. I may pick up two more for the backing; I haven't decided yet. I have to get the front done first!!</div>
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Ax also gets to take a halfway-box with him on the boat. Each guy can have one shoebox of halfway goodies that they bust out halfway through the deployment. Right now I only have a shoebox that a pair of flats came in, so adding stuff from Ax's family may prove challenging. That said, here's a quick tour of his goodies:</div>
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A card to open that night, and some tins of Skoal. While we both think it's gross, lots of the guys use it and Ax can use the tins as a bartering tool or something. I dunno. I don't know a damned thing about tobacco so I have no idea if any of the guys will actually use the type I picked out. I figure if they're desperate enough to have their fix, they won't complain. ;)</div>
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Another card to open later on. A box of crayons, one of those itty-bitty Lego sets with the directions, a coloring set consisting of a few tiny markers (hence the extra crayons..) and coloring pages from Cars. Chapstick, as I have the feeling it's gonna be awfully dry on the sub.</div>
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Some gum for those who don't use tobacco but still need an oral fix. Ha. Swedish Fish, cherry Twizzlers, AAA batteries (for his alarm clock!), a bag of almonds, and a bag of peanuts.</div>
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Ax is a sucker for Oreos. I'm sneaking the rest of the mini-packages into his backpack. Hahaha.</div>
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A pile of Wint-o-green Lifesavers. I've found that they're awesome for dry throats, stuffy noses, and slight nausea (which mint is supposed to help relieve anyway). If nothing else, they could be makeshift poker chips. LOL.</div>
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And somehow, I have fit it all into this box which used to hold scrap fabric. I'm hoping I can find a regular-sized shoebox; then I know the Oreos won't get as squished.</div>
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I still haven't decided how I want to decorate it though. Hum.</div>
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On a different note ENTIRELY, here's a Friday Fill-In, courtesy of <a href="http://wifeofasailor.com/">Wife of a Sailor</a>!</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. </strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What’s one thing in the past month you would have changed?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Being locked out of the house and the lacking money thing. That was just ridiculous. Ugh.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. </strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What was your favorite thing that happened in January?</strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hm. I don't know. Just spending time with Ax, really.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What are you looking forward to in February?</strong></strong></div>
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Our one-year anniversary is in a few days; after that just looking forward to getting this damned deployment started already! The waiting seems to be worse than actually having him gone!</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. What are your plans for Valentine’s Day</strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I think we might combine it with our anniversary (they're like two days apart), so in that case just a fancy dinner out someplace. Probably some cake. Spending time together before deployment!</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5.</strong> <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is your best advice for a MilSpouse whose spouse is deployed for Valentine’s Day?</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can't offer much here because this is my first deployment; I will say that sitting around moping won't help you any. If you guys actually celebrate Valentine's Day, go out and do something silly for yourself! Buy yourself a bunch of fake (or real!) roses. Eat an obscene amount of chocolate. Get a manicure, or whatever your treat to yourself is. Lounge around in sweats all day if you want! Don't forget about your spouse...if it's possible to call or email them, do so! I'm sure they're busy but I'm sure they're thinking of you!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And with that, now Simon and I must go for a walk before I lose my feet from him chewing on them. ahahah.</span></div>
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submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-10248530784340051692013-01-30T14:46:00.003-05:002013-01-30T14:46:32.931-05:00Feeling Discouraged.I've done at least 10 hours per week of job hunting since we got here in October. I landed ONE job that lasted precisely ONE week before they decided they had asked for the wrong skill set and I was let go.<br />
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(Honestly, I think they were discriminating against me based on my religion. Some pieces to that puzzle fit, however, there's no way I'll ever be able to prove it.)<br />
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There's lots of jobs between here and Jacksonville. A lot! Too bad for me they're nearly ALL in the medical field. Something I'm not remotely qualified in nor could I BS my way through.<br />
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I'm quite honestly running out of stuff to apply for. I've resorted to applying to minimum-wage jobs like CVS and Dollar General...just to have SOME kind of second income in the house. I'm probably stupidly over qualified for them, but I need something to do. I love reading, sewing, blogging, and baking, but I need some human interaction once in a while. Even if interacting with strangers usually leaves me frustrated and grumpy.<br />
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Every other day I open my folder of job hunting sites and flip through the pages, looking for something...ANYTHING...to apply for. Out of the 10 hours per week, I'd say I actually find something to apply for maybe once per hour. And after I read through the job description more thoroughly, some of THOSE get tossed too.<br />
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It's just frustrating to want to contribute financially to my household and not be able to.<br />
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The only ideas I've come up with are freelance work for writing or data entry, sewing commissions, dog walking/care, Amazon's MTurk and tutoring online. And even then, I'm not sure if any of those will actually produce anything other than disappointment. I made about 15 dollars so far with MTurk, but the hits are few and far between that are worth my time.<br />
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Sigh. At least it's gorgeous outside today...even though I finally broke down and turn the central air on. The breeze is great, but unfortunately the wind is coming from the wrong direction to have open windows be useful. :Psubmariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-24871237857674430202013-01-29T13:09:00.000-05:002013-01-29T13:09:07.351-05:00A fresh startFor both this blog and my sewing room. I revamped the way this blog looks so it's not so...dreary. And you should be able to use RSS feeds to follow me now. If it doesn't work, let me know!<br />
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At my parents' house I was stuck sewing wherever there was space...so either my bedroom, the living room, or the sunroom. Here in GA, I have an entire room for sewing, thanks to my hubby! :)<br />
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Since the rotary cutter accident a little while ago, I've taken a break from cutting and piecing new projects to focus on some other stuff. Namely, rearranging the room so that I can navigate it easier, and cleaning up my fabric stash so it's not so wrinkly (amazing how stuff gets smooshed when you move!) and is easier to peruse. I think my next project will be making a cushion for my chair, it's hurting my butt! haha.<br />
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I took some pictures with my phone along the way. May as well upload them! We rent our house currently, so there's not much I can do with the boring walls or gross carpeting (I HATE carpeting). I still have some pictures I want to hang...I just need to find cheapish frames to fit them. :p<br />
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This is a shot of my finger now that the cut has mostly healed. I have to wear a bandaid when we go out, or else it looks silly that I have every nail except that one painted. Plus it snags on stuff sometimes. Owies. :( ROTARY CUTTERS ARE SHARP YOU GUYS. No joke.</div>
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When I'm in here during the day, Simon enjoys sitting at the window and watching the world go by. He cries when the kids next door are out playing basketball. Today he's enjoying the nice breeze by sticking his nose against the screen and sniffing away. :)<br />
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Here's my very first sewing machine, thanks to Ax! It was a christmas present, along with the table it sits on. I had to make a point of mentioning that I would need a table to put the sewing machine on, or sewing on it would be very difficult. Anyway, it's a Brother CS-6000i. So far so good! It's a happy little machine. I should name it. Hmm.<br />
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This is a different angle of the table--if you came into the room this is how you'd see it. That's a giant pile of scrap fabric I ironed last night. Now it's in a shoebox! Anyway, that's the chair that is hurting my toosh. And next to it is a 3-drawer cart. The top drawer is "in progress" stuff--I actually have some squares cut from when I was in college that I think I'm going to do something with...sometime. Yeah. Sometime. Second drawer is the "fat quarter" drawer. Some of the medium scraps are also folded and put in there. The bottom drawer has my scrap shoebox, paper for doodles or notes, and a roll of tape. Strangely, I've used scotch tape before during quilting. ha!</div>
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My meager fabric stash...although it's much neater now than it was! The mess in that corner is gone; I shoved our file cabinet over there and another 3-drawer cart filled with other craft supplies. There's two more shelves to the wooden structure as well, but they're mostly knickknacks and the like. </div>
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This was Simon last night during my ironing, chewing on his bone. He does that once in a while...he'll go from hanging on the couch with Ax to coming in here and chewing on one of his toys. Then he'll wander back to Ax, and back to me, etc. It's kinda cute, like he's trying to split his time with us. haha.</div>
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Some of the "not quite fat quarter" pieces I was talking about. And three real-rabbit-fur pelts that Matt had, which I have NO idea what to do with. The small box on the table holds all my Christmas fabric. Which is a surprising amount, since I don't even like the holiday that much. </div>
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And the scrap pile after ironing. Ah. So much nice pressed fabric. The bottom-most layers were still warm this morning when I went to put them away. Probably because they were sitting on the rabbit fur. Mmm, warm fabric. :D</div>
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Well, I think that's it for now. I have some trash to take out, a dishwasher to unload, a bed to strip of its sheets to be washed, and a dog to take for a walk. </div>
submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-66063398202152142152013-01-27T13:47:00.001-05:002013-01-27T13:47:13.601-05:00I consider myself good with words<p dir=ltr>But there's no words for how frustrated and disappointed I am right now with my husband. First we get locked out of our house because he didn't check to make sure he had housekeys. Then we suddenly dont have enough money to buy even the smallest bag of dog food. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The locked-out part is frustrating because he thinks we can get around paying the pet deposit in our rental...so we can't just call the realty people. We have zero dollars until payday so we can't pay a locksmith. I ended up calling the emergency line for the realty company anyway, but there's no answer. I still dont know what we're going to do with the dog if the guy comes to let us in. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The dog food is what really disappoints me. I know we don't have much left after bills are paid, but how can we not even have 10 bucks to buy some shitty brand of food so the pup can at least have a square meal?? Where does that money go?! Ax is supposed to be a provider, and considers himself the provider for our little family...what on earth is going on then??</p>
<p dir=ltr>I just want to go inside, make some tea and do some ironing to help get my fabric stash tidied up and unwrinkled. I need that time to myself to get over the disappointment I feel right now. Every time I look at Ax I get even more disappointed. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Sigh.</p>
submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-59692057665082458322013-01-22T12:35:00.003-05:002013-01-22T12:35:34.835-05:00Deployments and owies.I think this upcoming deployment is starting to get me anxious. I lack motivation, just want to sleep, my heart acts up (I have a heart condition), etc. I'm not so much stressed about Ax actually being gone. More stressed about thinking about everything that could go wrong while he's gone. Which is strange because I have POA and can get stuff done on his behalf. So idk.<br />
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It doesn't help that I seriously sliced my finger on a rotary cutter over the weekend. No stitches, thankfully. I was cutting some backing fabric for a stupid little project (ugliest doll quilt I could come up with...LOL) when the cutter jumped and sliced my middle finger. I felt the cut and calmly walked to the bathroom with my palm cupping underneath my middle finger. All I said was "well, that's not good" and Ax was up and running to me with the first aid kit. Strangely, the sight of my own blood made me puke. Blood and gore -- mine or anyone else's -- generally doesn't bother me. We just assume that I scared myself sick. Ax was understandably concerned about how I would have handled that if I was home alone. I probably could have taken care of it without much difficulty. And if I couldn't have gotten the bleeding to stop, I would have gone next door and asked for a ride to an urgent care or ER. The neighbors kinda look out for us since we're new here; I'm sure they would have given me a ride no questions asked. Just the way I sliced my finger would have made driving myself dangerous and really difficult.<br />
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I sliced not only the "meat" of my finger, but into the nail as well. I'm hoping it heals enough by our anniversary that I can paint it along with the rest of my nails. If not...well, then I'll use a bandaid so it doesn't look so damned silly.<br />
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My finger is extremely sore (I can't type with it, too much pressure on the owie), still a bit weepy when the scabs come off from hand washing or showers, but it doesn't look infected which is good. After my showers I've been taking a qtip doused in peroxide and gently swabbing it to keep it clean. It's kind of funny to look at; compared to my other middle finger there is a giant flat spot on the injured one.<br />
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This is not the first time I've seriously cut myself; back in high school I wrecked my left index finger on a mandolin slicer. It took almost four years for the fingerprint to grow back. And if you poke at it some days, I have no feeling in the fingertip. hahaha.<br />
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I am extremely lucky I didn't do more damage with the rotary cutter. There was a post on reddit.com a while back of a woman who lost about half her finger (vertically speaking) from one. These things are INCREDIBLY sharp. Be careful out there, crafters!submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-29045785497650257602013-01-16T14:06:00.000-05:002013-01-16T14:06:04.754-05:00Of duty stations, pets, and life.I told you I was bad at this blogging thing....So much for that.<br />
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I guess I may as well catch up on what's happened since the last post. Ax got assigned Kings Bay! We moved after he was done with A school, and it took us three days to drive down here. Aside from the EPIC AMOUNT OF RAIN, it wasn't a bad drive. Oh, and the parking ticket in Nashville because SOMEONE didn't listen to me when I said he parked in the wrong space. /facepalm<br />
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It took us a week to find a house and move in, but the hotel we stayed at for that week was super nice. We have a 3-bed, 2-bath ranch-style house. Neither of us like the ranch design, but it's surprisingly cozy and functional for us right now. Gorgeous hardwood floors...which quite frankly was why I wanted this house in the first place. Ha. Shortly after arriving here, we adopted a dog from the local shelter. His name is Simon, and he's a boxer/pit mix. Or at least, I think he's part pit. No one really knows. His birthday is coming up in March, and he'll be a year old. How crazy of a life he must have led for that first year--being born and abandoned, wandering around as a stray, staying in a shelter, and now hogging up my couch and farting like an old man. (Seriously, I have never heard a dog audibly fart until we got him. WTF?) Simon is an absolute joy, though. He's so loving and goofy--part of the boxer in him. He LOVES car rides and meeting new people and dogs. Tennis balls are like the greatest thing in the world to him--after his kibbles. haha.<br />
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I haven't found a job unfortunately, so money is tight. But we're managing for now. So far so good, I guess. It helps that stuff is much cheaper in GA than in WI. Gas is about the same, though, which I find a bit odd. Meh. I don't drive as often as I used to--maybe two or three times a week instead of 5 days a week. That isn't to say I haven't been looking for a job--I've signed up with every damned temp and personnel agency I can find, there really just isn't much for me here right now. It can change, though.<br />
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So instead I've spent my time reading, playing with Simon, taking care of the house, and tinkering with the sewing machine Ax bought me for christmas. I'm also taking free classes on coursera! A cryptology class, a world history class, and a personal finance class. Speaking of, I have three more sections of cryptology to get through today after I do dishes and walk the dog. Next post I'll put up a picture of Simon. He's my sweet boy. <3submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-87399890645010503432012-07-26T15:02:00.001-04:002012-07-26T15:02:44.402-04:00This is a non-Navy rant.To preface this, until Ax and I move in October I am staying at my parents' house. My dad is a huge jerk to pretty much everybody except his mother and my brother.<br />
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My mom has a degree in Medical Assisting and is busting her ass to get her foot in the door at a clinic. Right now she works two jobs just to cover SOME of her bills. At the "morning" job, she is quite often verbally abused, taken advantage of, and has office procedures changed on her with no notice--just a reprimand after she does it "wrong'. <br />
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Mom doesn't have a whole lot of self-esteem to begin with. Part of this is my dad, and part of it is the depression that runs on that side of the family. (Yes, me too.)<br />
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So when she came home last night nearly in tears about what was said to her during the morning, I told her she didn't have to take it. Call someone and report her behavior. The doctor who owns the office doesn't give two shits what the manager does (the mean lady), so going to him will do nothing.<br />
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I barely finished the sentence about calling the labor standards office and seeing what kind of path she can take to rectify the situation, and my dad starts yelling about "WHERE THE HELL WILL THE GROCERIES COME FROM THEN??"<br />
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Excuse me for trying to be a supportive daughter, when you utterly fail as a supportive husband (and father). The last thing I need is to lose my mom to suicide (and I KNOW she's thought about it before).<br />
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This is the first time in several years he's made me cry. For the most part, the hide I have when it comes to him is inpenetrable. But mom and I are clearly no longer people to him, we're just...financial burdens, I guess. Nevermind that HE offered to pay off my car as a wedding gift to Ax and I. HE offered to make some payments on the one loan I took out for school. HE offered to help my mom purchase a new car. <br />
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I'll be honest. My dad is obese. When you're pregnant, you kind of have that arched back and you waddle instead of walk, right? My dad walks like that every. day. EVERY day. But insists nothing is wrong.<br />
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Maybe my mom would be able to afford groceries if she didn't have to feed six people instead of just three. He eats enough for three people at pretty much every single meal. By Friday, when there should be leftovers, I'm lucky if I even get a handful of french fries (or whatever). I literally have to hoard food in order to make sure I get some.<br />
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Dad has been a gigantic jerk ever since my brother was born--and I don't resent my brother for it. It's not his fault, it's my dad. It's like when P was born, I suddenly ceased to exist as a human or as a daughter. I was just another mouth to provide for. I spent years trying to get his approval and his attention. at 17, i finally gave up. Clearly he doesn't want me.<br />
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So...rant. When my dad finally kicks the bucket I hope it's painful and he's all alone. I know that if he ever needed 911 in my presence I'd just toss him a phone and tell him good luck. If he can't treat me like a human, I won't treat him like one.submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-23062437660958517972012-07-24T11:16:00.003-04:002012-07-24T11:16:56.090-04:00of Ax and dogs.I wish it would hurry up and be September already. I really miss Ax. <br />
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We decided not to have a visit in August. Rather, Ax decided we shouldn't. I mentioned something about the car making it all the way to CT and was more or less told to not go. Not that he doesn't want to see me, but we should save money for the move.<br />
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While I understand where he's coming from (and actually am a tiny bit relieved I don't have to drive 18 hours by myself), I wish he had just said that outright instead of going through the whole picking-out-dates thing with me and then telling me a few weeks later he changed his mind.<br />
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It's the first time since we got married that I was actually pissed at him. I was really mad because I already asked for the days off at work, and that would screw up Lisa's schedule. Kind of the "you only thought about yourself" thing, I guess. I'm over it though.<br />
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Instead, I'll be flying out there for his A-school graduation at the end of September. I'm hoping that by working all these extra hours I can save up enough for a flight and a car for two days--i'd fly in wednesday, his graduation is thursday, and we'd fly back to WI on friday. Then two whirlwind weeks of family and friends before it's off to the duty station.<br />
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When we find out where we're moving...I'm gonna start looking at animal rescues/shelters for a dog. On Sunday, I volunteered at a greyhound kennel after they got a haul of 24 retired dogs. Walks, ear cleaning, nail trims, tick checks, deworming, flea/tick defense, basic vet check, another walk, new collars, food, ID cards on the crates, and finally some quiet for them to relax and get some sleep.<br />
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It was busy. I loved every second of it. The dog I had for the day was named Hee Bee Gee Bee. she was such a sweetie. :)<br />
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While all the dust, dander, and dirt kicked up my allergies, I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I missed being around dogs! I got so many doggie kisses from all the hounds, too. so cute. :)<br />
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Kings Bay, Bangor, San Diego...submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-87801148804175445042012-07-20T12:56:00.001-04:002012-07-20T12:56:35.757-04:00Kings Bay, Bangor, San Diego...Ax texted me today saying that he's so anxious about getting his choice of orders that it's making his chest hurt. I don't think anything has ever been so...monumental...to him. I think in comparison, getting married was a cakewalk. <br />
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Don't tell him, but I think it's kind of cute that he's so anxious. <br />
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Kings Bay, Bangor, San Diego.<br />
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I wish I could be with him to try and keep him distracted but by the time I visit next we'll know where we're moving to. <br />
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Kings Bay, Bangor, San Diego.<br />
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He's hoping for a boomer. I honestly don't have a preference (the preference of "don't go out" doesn't apply here..dang). As long as he's happy with his job, then I am happy. I suppose there is the chance that in two years, he might get the opposite boat if we move to a new duty station.<br />
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So we play the waiting game. Or rather, Ax does. I'm not the one going out on a boat for months at a time...if I was, I'd certainly want my first choice too. I'm mostly excited to see where we're going to live. I am getting anxious to have the chance to explore a new city, a new library, and have a doggie again. <br />
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Now that I have a blog again, I wanted to start a new paper journal too...oy vey. Like I don't have enough hobbies already? I spent this morning at work googling writing prompts and stuff to keep my mind working. I don't want to just write about Ax and I all the time, I want some writing to be goofy or at least about different subjects so I don't get bored. Depending on the subject, maybe I'll cross-post it here. <br />
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I woke up today to the news about what happened near Denver. I want to know WHY he did it. That's my criminal justice side coming out...I have the feeling he picked the release night on purpose, though, to maximize his targets. What gets me is that people thought that because of the way he was dressed, he was "part" of the movie. I know they tried to make this Batman movie the biggest and best one yet, but COME ON. With the shit that goes on in the world these days, do you really think theatres would allow that? And besides, if it WAS allowed, don't you think there would have been more than one person dressed in riot gear? One person doesn't really add to the effect, but two or three might. <br />
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Also, please explain why you'd take an infant (one of the injured was a 3 month old I think) to a midnight showing of a movie? <br />
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Boggles the mind, it does. <br />
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With that, it is now time for my noms. Om nom nom salad, plum, and wheat thins. Then four more hours of boredommmm. Le sigh. At least it's Friday.<br />submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-7237740564287620422012-07-19T20:45:00.000-04:002012-07-19T20:45:05.023-04:00Two weeks and counting...Until we find out where the first duty station is. Ax is extraordinarily nervous; I think it's because once we're there, it's the REAL DEAL and not just "pretend" anymore. No more school, now he actually has to apply all that knowledge he's learned over the course of nine months. I'm anxious because I want to start looking for jobs (there's no way we can afford all the bills on an E-3 salary). And I want to start looking for a doggie to adopt. Ever since we put Sarah down in March, my life has had a gigantic hole in it. :(<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXItHVG9Xx5WqqNtmD5975waK8GuLGwgZPFqXu1XrbfLA49KFapyz9KvrO1YoiHd4XheuefIqVcfRcO8ZZTjcors0G70EJIztv1-xuaL9VEwtyYllexqMSUv4zsaiDw0_gZIsskxIynLS/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXItHVG9Xx5WqqNtmD5975waK8GuLGwgZPFqXu1XrbfLA49KFapyz9KvrO1YoiHd4XheuefIqVcfRcO8ZZTjcors0G70EJIztv1-xuaL9VEwtyYllexqMSUv4zsaiDw0_gZIsskxIynLS/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Treeing Walker Coonhound, Sarah. <3</td></tr>
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<br /><br />To try and fill in that hole temporarily, I'm headed to the local Greyhound rescue on Sunday to welcome in a new herd of hounds. I would LOVE to adopt a Grey when we move, but all sorts of doggies need forever homes...so whoever attaches themselves to my leg will come home. <div>
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I'm part of the Groton FB page, where a bunch of wives/moms talk about their Sailors and yadda yadda...one of the Sailors is being separated from the Navy for a failure to adapt. He had ALMOST made it through schooling too. He hates being away from his family so much that it's affected his ability to do his job. Where he is originally from is really struggling economically right now so he likely won't have a job when he gets back home. It's disappointing, to be honest. Ax called him a "shitbag", which I have noticed is a common term for people who are not good at their jobs, but I think that's a bit harsh. I imagine the Navy (as well as other branches of military) realize that there are going to be people who will just not fit in after trying and pushing through most of their training. People who are on a boat against their will (more or less) are dangerous and he's honestly better off elsewhere. I was hoping they'd transfer him to surface ships, but I guess they decided to cut ties with him entirely. </div>
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On a sadder note, <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/wss3u/this_is_a_picture_of_my_brother_the_last_time_he/c5gabd4">this thread</a> on Reddit (yeah, I reddit) made me cry. A poster submits a photo of his brother who was killed two years ago today by an IED. Someone from the brother's outpost in Afghanistan posted more photos of them during their tour, with stories/background for each one. It was really really touching. I don't normally cry at ANYTHING, much less a story on the internet (as cold-hearted as this will seem, servicepeople die all the time over there)...but something got to me in this one.</div>
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And now, I return to my NCIS mini-marathon. Mmmm Gibbs. ahahahah.<br /><br /></div>submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-12316564357087685662012-07-17T16:00:00.003-04:002012-07-17T16:00:35.339-04:00Musings on the future career of a Navy WifeSome of the blogs I follow also guest post on SpouseBuzz, so now I'm email subscribed to that too. How I'll ever keep up with all this reading I'll never know--actually, I do. The four hours of work three days a week in which I do nothing but answer the phone once in a while. Getting paid to read blogs is no different than getting paid to read a book. Or color, because I did that for a while too. Seriously, my job is boring--but I am extremely grateful to have one.<br />
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<a href="http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2012/07/military-wife-quote-i-have-an-interest-and-a-passion.html">This</a> article/blurb kind of struck a nerve with me. Not because it was poorly written or because it attacked anybody. But because I don't have a job that is an interest or passion of mine. I mean, I CAN have a job like that one day, but therein lies the rub.<br />
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( I honestly have no idea what is meant by "there's the rub", but I read it in a book and it sounded cool. Feel free to correct my usage!)<br />
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I have a degree in Criminal Justice from what is probably one of the worst universities in the union. The graduation rate for Parkside was something like 35%--because people either used it as a launchpad for the university they really wanted to go to, or because they failed out and never came back. My opinions on the closing of the university is an entire post in and of itself, however, suffice it to say that this piss-poor graduation rate doesn't help its case any.<br />
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I have several interests and or passions:<br />
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- paralegal (interest)<br />
- dogs (interest AND passion)<br />
- books (interest AND passion)<br />
- helping veterans (interest, maybe passion?)<br />
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So far the only interest or passion my current job comes close to is the helping of veterans. The floor I work on houses the CVSO and an "assistant" (although the "assistant" has been here longer than the CVSO!). Greeting vets, telling them about my husband, asking about their service (which branch, any particular wars, etc), and getting them bus tickets to the VA center in Milwaukee is extremely rewarding. If Ax wasn't in the military maybe I'd not be so interested in helping veterans. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy helping others and solving problems, but without being placed in this particular situation with Ax, maybe it wouldn't mean as much to help them. Especially the homeless ones, which honestly breaks my heart every damn time.<br />
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With my CJ education (which is mostly a laughable joke at best) and strong clerical skills, paralegal would be an excellent choice of career for the rest of my working life. Problem is, I'd have to go back to school to be certified. I am so burnt out from school, papers, exams, lessons, etc. that the thought almost makes me sick. <br />
I considered grad school for library science, but my grades are so godawful that I doubt anyone would accept me into a Master's program. I suppose for now, volunteering in a library would have to do. Forking over more money for a Master's doesn't exactly leave a good taste in my mouth either, haha.<br />
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That leaves dogs. I've watched the animal cops shows on Animal Planet, and while I would LOVE to do that...my cat allergies are too bad to go into hoarder situations. With the reactions my body has to cats, there is no possible way for me to just "work around it". If I worked in a shelter, I'd probably come home with a dog every week and then Ax would have no place to sleep when he'd have shore duty or leave. LOL<br />
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So I guess my choices for a career are paralegal or figure out how to get into the VA industry to help vets with paperwork, applications, and whatnots. Paralegal sounds like more money in the bank, but a job with the VA means helping more people. I decided that I'm getting paralegal certification no matter what I end up doing, because I can't go the rest of my life without learning. I'm just too burned out right now to get back into it. Maybe this time next year I can start some classes or something--I'll need stuff to keep me busy when Ax is playing in the ocean in his tin can. :P<br />
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Until something else comes along, I'll just keep pokin' around at work helping whoever I can, and when the local Greyhound rescue gets a haul of retired racers, I'll head down to the kennel and welcome some adorable gentle giants to a new home. Hopefully I can help find them some forever homes too. :)submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077976775710830214.post-67611110460166060272012-07-17T15:33:00.000-04:002012-07-17T15:33:36.820-04:00Another sweltering day in the Land of Cheese...<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We're on our second heatwave of the summer. I work near Lake Michigan, and right now the temperature is 104 outside. The heat index is probably close to 110. Further inland, 110 is almost the temperature. I don't even want to think of what the heat index would be. I love summer, and I love the heat, but I do not wish to cook eggs on my driveway. Or in my car. My Corolla does not need to smell like breakfast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the blogs I follow is </span><a href="http://ajgardner1013.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before The I Do's</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and I found a post today on her blog which is like another "getting to know you" sort of thing. Decided I'd do it! I had a more serious post in mind, but I have 4 hours to kill at work (where nothing ever happens) so I'm sure I can do both. So let's get this party on the road, shall we?</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) How long have you been blogging? What got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been keeping journals off and on since I was a freshman in high school. Some online, some on paper. Originally what got me started was a therapist my mom INSISTED I go see...why I still don't know. Anyyyway, my blogs/journals have evolved over the years as my writing style and lexicon have improved by leaps and bounds. They're also less angst-filled. Gotta love being the stereotypical teenager. MY LIFE IS SO HORRIBLE U GUISE. GUISE SRSLY.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Did you go to college? If so, where, and what did you study?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I went to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Never heard of it? That's okay. No one has. It's the population of a large high school with connected academic buildings. I hated it there, althought the only plus side I can think of is being able to call the chancellors by their first name (we went through a few in my time there). I majored in Criminal Justice, although I did take a fair amount of psych classes as well. They still haven't sent me my degree, though...suppose I should call them tomorrow and ask what the holy hell is going on.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Where have you traveled?</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nowhere exciting, that's for sure. New Orleans (before Katrina), Ohio, Florida, Virginia (Virginia Beach specifically), New York (city and upstate), Connecticut, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and obviously Wisconsin. Oh, and I went to Canada once but I don't really remember that.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd pay off my student loans. Even the cheapest state college isn't cheap, yo.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">5) What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Using numerals incorrectly. If it's a number under 10, you are supposed to spell it out. LOL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-Blue pens. I absolutely abhor blue ink in a pen. Markers are cool. Pens are not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-People who take forever to spit out a sentence. My dad, for example, takes damn near five minutes to explain how he got in his work truck. </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">6) What is your favorite movie?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of all time? Metropolis. It's a 1927 German film. Absolutely amazing. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">7) What is your drink of choice: wine, beer, or liquor? Or, water, soda, or tea?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of the booze, definitely liquor. Give me a bottle of Jameson and I am SET. I've been trying to cut out soda (unneeded calories!), but tea is like my best friend. Except it's too hot out right now for this. UGH. So lots of water. LOTS OF WATER INDEED.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">8) What is something you enjoy doing when you have "me" time?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch NCIS. I'm not kidding, this is my favorite show ever. Does it make me paranoid about the bad things that could happen to Ax? Yeah. Would I pass up seeing Leroy Jethro Gibbs? HELL NO. /drool</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">9) If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, probably a place like Gamestop or something. I love videogames, even though I don't often play.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">10) What day would you love to relive again?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hmmm. That's hard. Right now it's between the day I got the "I'm a SAILOR!" call and our wedding day. Probably our wedding day. I may opt to change the wedding lunch from mcdonald's to something a touch classier. LOL</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">11) If your life was turned into a movie, what actress would play you?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cote de Pablo? she's the woman who plays Zeeva David on NCIS. I think she'd be able to do a decent job. Plus she's pretty. Really pretty.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">12) What are the jobs you had in high school/college?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In high school, band and theatre WERE my jobs. I spent probably hundreds of hours each school year working on them and related projects. In college, I've done everything from temp at a Peterbilt repair shop (probably my favorite ever), work retail at Target, work in the university archives, run a college newspaper, secretary for student government, and now I'm working at the local Workforce Development Center answering phones. It's probably my second favorite after the Peterbilt experience.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">13) Show us a picture from high school or college.</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, since facebook is blocked at work, you'll have to wait until later to get a photo. derp!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">14) If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I told Matt I'd LOVE to go see England, Ireland, and Scotland. So we'd probably make a trip of those three. You bet your ass I'm finding a Doctor Who museum to go to.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">15) Show us the most curernt picture of you or you and your family.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again with the blocking of facebook, so again you must wait.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">16) Where do you see your life five years from now?</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh boy. Ummm. Five years from now, Ax will be on reserve duty to finish out his contract, unless he re-ups. I think in five years I'll be ready for kids. After that I don't really know. I enjoy taking it one day at a time and seeing where life leads us.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) What is your biggest phobia?</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spiders. Bees. Anything that has the potential to creep up the side of my leg. ew ew ew ew ew!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To give a different answer to this one, I'd relive my 21st birthday. The guy I was seeing broke up with me that day after he had dinner with me and my family. I have never been so hurt in my life. I'd go back and try to stand up for myself (which I wasn't very good at doing) and maybe things would have been different--but maybe not. The point is, I'd speak up instead of letting him steamroll me and reducing me to tears on my roommate's bed while he slept on a couch.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I dunno, I seem to like 24 well enough. Let's go with that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? </span></em></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I more often get mistaken for an 18-year-old than a celebrity. I suppose looking younger than I am means I will age well, but still. TWENTY. FOUR. THANK YOU.</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><br />
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<em>5) What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?</em><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The soundtrack is like, four CDs at this point. Music is a huge part of my life. The top song is definitely Josh Turner's "Would You Go With Me?" because it's Ax's and my song.</span><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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</span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>submariner's wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08507899687250772714noreply@blogger.com0