Do It Yourself

I love HGTV. You know, the channel where all of those regular, every day people take on big, home improvement projects? It amazes me how those people can effortlessly complete projects obviously meant for professionals. So of course, after watching countless hours of do-it-yourself-ers take on projects meant for the pros, I thought to myself, if they can take on a whole house as a do-it-yourself project, then surely I can take on a much smaller, less serious one! 

Not my best idea.

Do-it-yourself eye brow waxing is a lot harder than it looks.
Just so you know.

Hermanito

Remember my little brother? You know, the one that saved me from my Mexican Phone Stalker and has since become my full time bodyguard? It's his 20th birthday!

 Look how cute and little he used to be!

He's definitely not that little anymore! You know when you're a kid and your mom says to you, "Stop picking on your little brother! One day he's going to be bigger than you and then you'll be sorry." It turns out, she's right.

This little cowboy grew into a giant cowboy...



And went from being my adorable, annoying little brother...

to being my "big" brother and my best friend!



Happy Birthday Hermanito!

List of Love

I feel like with this deployment, people are always expecting me to be sad and miserable. To be honest, sometimes I am. But with all of the people I love around me and with school and work as distractions, I am by no means a constant Negative Nancy. So, I am going to make a list of a few things I love about life right now:

• Pumpkin muffins! I made them for Chris' Halloween box [they're his favorite] and I haven't stopped making them since! I'm addicted.

Easiest recipe ever! Let me know if you want it!

• My Little Brother. Man how I missed him when we both moved away! I am beyond happy to have him home all the time with me. Even when he's trying to booby trap my room or put his feet on my face. Now that's love!

Who could ever resist that face?! Plus, he saved me from my Mexican Phone Stalker. I'm forever greatful.
• And, last but not least, my quest for Kardashian hair! Oh, how I love love love long, dark hair. I've almost gotten the long part down. Now, I just have to wait for my hair color appointment!

As you can see, my roots have been growing out for about a million years making my hair about 3 different colors. Gross.

So there you go, people. I think those are some pretty wonderful reasons to be happy, don't you?! So next time you're thinking to yourself that I'm probably sitting around the house being a grumpy, old troll, there's a 95% chance you're wrong. And that other 5% of the time I'm probably doing homework so that doesn't even really count. Goodbye Negative Nancy, Hello Positive...Polly?

Update: Wierdie Magnet

Remember my Mexican Phone Stalker? You know, the one that wanted to be my boyfriend? Well, that situation has since progressed from bad, to worse. Stupid me for thinking that hanging up on the guy would deter him from calling me again, right? Anyway, after the hang up incident, he preceded to call me multiple times... daily. Not once did I answer the phone, and still he called and called. Up until an hour or so ago my favorite was when he called at 0345 and left me a message that simply said, "MUJER!" Had it not been left for me in the middle of the night I may have been slightly amused. I mean, it's not everyday a person gets a Mexican Phone Stalker, right?

Well, I'm pretty sure that Stalker Man is gone for good this time, which leads me to my favorite part of the story. Finally, after 5 calls today, I had to call in the big guns: my little brother. Now when I say little brother I'm sure you're picturing an actual little brother. You know, someone smaller and slightly annoying. Well, you would be wrong. In my case, my little brother is more like my giant, smarter, bear-like brother who I like to think of as my personal bodyguard.

So when I got the 5th call of the night and Stalker left a lovely message, something along the lines of, "My friend says he loves you. He can't live without you. Ay yay yay!" I wasn't even close to amused. When my phone rang again two seconds later, I ran to Brother's room, threw open the door and begged for help! Very man-like Brother said, "Give me the phone. I'll take care of it." And let me tell you, take care of it he did! He played the role of intimidating male figure well. And when that really wasn't working out he said something including "policia" and my problem was magically solved.

So next time you think you may have a potential Mexican Phone Stalker on your hands, call me. I'll let you borrow my bodyguard. He happens to be a pro now.

Running, Running, Running

As you may have heard, I made myself a list of things to accomplish while Chris is gone. I've already crossed some of the things off that list, like quilting and pie making. Running is also on that list. Unfortunately, I have this problem where I hate running. I'm not exactly sure why but it probably has something to do with the fact that I'm not very good at it and it makes me sweaty. And I really don't like being sweaty. But, since my Donut of Misery looks like this now:

[Exciting, right?!]

I decided that it was time to start on my running goal. I've been putting it off for weeks and weeks, but now that we're 30% through deployment, and more than 50% of the way to R&R, it seems like a now-or-never kind of thing. So, yesterday I gathered up all the enthusiasm I could muster and went on my first running adventure. Surprisingly, it wasn't so bad. Well, besides the being sweaty part. But I got to wear my pretty pink running shoes so that kind of balanced it out. Good shoes really can  make any situation better, don't you think?

Anyway, I'm two days in and I'm feeling pretty good. Apparently, I'm a much better runner than I originally thought. This is nothing compared to the horror of my hiking adventure. At the rate I'm going, I'll be running with Chris before I know it!

Wierdie Magnet

I don't know what it is about me, but I swear all wierdie people are attracted to me. No matter where I am, they find me. Seriously people, I am a full-blown wierdie magnet. Today proved, once again, that even in my own home, I am not safe from the wierdies of the world. Let me tell you the story...

Today, I got three wrong number calls, none of whom spoke english. The first time my phone rang, I answered and patiently tried to explain to the man, using my very limited spanish speaking skills, that I was not Jose and that my number was not ever going to connect to him. The second time, I was slightly less patient but still polite as I again explained, in spanish, that there was still no Jose here. By the third call I was frustrated and I was mad. I was frustrated with my limited spanish knowledge and I was mad at Jose for giving all his friends MY number and not HIS OWN. So when I answered my phone and yet another spanish speaking man greeted me from the other side and said "Jose?" I almost lost it. Unfortunately, I have this problem where I feel bad hanging up on people and therefore forced myself to nicely tried to get the man off my phone. So I once again repeated that I was not Jose. The man then rambled on in spanish for a while, only about half of which I actually understood. I did completely understand his last sentence though. You know, the one where he told me that he was the one that had called twice before and then asked me to be his girlfriend. At that moment, I no longer felt bad about hanging up on him.

I am never answering my phone again.

Danger: Crazy Girl Ahead

I am pretty sure that I am very, dangerously close to losing my mind. If for one second I could peer inside my pretty, little head to get a small glimpse of what's going on in there, I'm quite sure that all I would see is a tiny version of myself, one foot dangling in mid-step off of a very high cliff. What is happening to me, people?! I feel like I'm losing my mind! 

Just one of my many, many examples: Today I went through the entire day being sad and mopey, thinking that I hadn't gotten a phone call from Chris in weeks. In a moment of absolute self pity, I checked the incoming call log on my phone to see just how many days it has actually been, thinking to myself that I probably deserved a pat on the back or something for being such a patient Army Wife. So as I scrolled through the list of calls, I couldn't believe my eyes. Do you know what my phone said? It said Chris had just called on Saturday...and on Sunday! How is it that I have no recollection of him even calling at all? It was only 3 days ago! Normally I'm so excited to be talking to him I never forget a word he says. Never, ever have I forgotten an entire conversation! And in the last week I have forgotten two!? Now my memory is turning me into a bad wife.

[Photographic proof of my crazy.]

If I can't even remember phone calls with the love of my life that were only 3 days ago, think of all the other things that could be going terribly wrong with my brain! Seriously, people. This is no joke. This time next week I may not even be able to remember my own name. If this does indeed happen, which the odds are looking good that it will, can someone send out a search party, please? With my luck, I'll most likely have forgotten how much I hate nature and I'll be off trying to hike again.

Anniversaries

Every other girl I know is head over heels for anniversary celebrations, obsessing over presents, flowers and romantic dinners. Even Chris, who is not known for his romantic tendencies, keeps mentioning to me that he is trying everything he can to be home on our anniversary. 

All of this anniverary talk has me thinking: Is there something wrong with me? Am I the only girl on the face of the earth that has little desire for an extravegant celebration for her anniversary? Is it wrong of me to not want a huge celebration with candles, presents and surprises?

Don't get me wrong, if Chris did make it home and wanted to make big plans and go all out, of course I would be happy to do whatever he wanted. But if I had to choose, it wouldn't be extravagant, expensive or overly-planned at all.

Maybe it's because this is our first anniversary and I'm still in the newleywed love stage. Maybe it's because I don't want to get my hopes up and be disappointed if Chris can't be here. But really, I think it's just the fact that I have never really been a fan of giving expensive presents just to show a person how much you love them. Personally, I would rather have a heart felt "I love you" than a diamond anyday.

Is anyone else with me?

Chris and I on wedding day

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

I know I've been slacking a bit lately, but I have finally found the enthusiasm to participate in another MilSpouse Friday Fill-In! I think it's the hope of the doctor curing my insomnia later today that has me in such great spirits. Anyway, if you'd like to participate in MilSpouse Friday Fill-In, hop on over to Wife of a Sailor and learn how to get started!

1.What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?

Ah, the infamous family roadtrip...One time my dad decided that it was a great idea to get the whole family together for a roadtrip. We were to drive from Arizona to Montana with numerous, perfectly-scheduled stops along the way. This was around the same time that my dad also happened to be in need of a life-or-death liver transplant and neglected to tell anyone. Due to his extreme sickness and crazy grouchiness from everyone else, we ended up missing every campsite reservation along the way.

Worst roadtrip ever.

2.Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it.

I'm pretty sure you could count my obsession with Febreze products as a collection. Plain and simple, I love Febreze. I have the air-spray, the candles, the plug-ins, and of course, the new pop up air freshener. The catch is, I only like the Linen & Sky scent.

3.What is your favorite part about being an adult?

I would have to say not being forced to drink milk. When I was a kid, my mom always made us drink a glass of milk with dinner. Every single night. Thank goodness I don't have to do that anymore. I like milk in cereal and all, but just thinking about drinking a glass of milk makes me want to gag.

4.What song brings a tear to your eye?

Since Chris deployed, I can't listen to any soldier related songs without having to hold back tears. Of course with Carrie Underwood's Just a Dream, that's understandable. But even Toby Keith's American Soldier, which really isn't sad, makes me want to cry.

5.Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc).
 
I don't really remember my first plane ride, but I remember the first time I flew alone. And the reason I remember it? I was 6 and the airline put me on the wrong plane. I was supposed to be flying to San Diego and instead ended up in Ontario. Let me tell you people, I have never been the same.

New Shoes and a Better Butt

As you may have noticed, I've been on a shoe buying spree lately. (Well, actually my mom has been buying them. Thanks, mom!) My newest pair are pretty and pink and come with the promise of a better butt!

This morning I decided to take my new shoes on a little test drive.  And since for the past week or so I've wanted to go hiking, I grabbed my bestie and off we went! Never mind the fact that I hate nature and waking up early, right? Let's just say that my little hiking adventure was not at all what I expected.

In my mind, I pictured myself looking adorable in my new, pink shoes and matching workout clothes. I imagined we would make it up the mountain no problem and stand proudly at the top, looking glamorous. Let me tell you, it was nothing even remotely close to that! Once we actually got to the nature, I began to experience one of those "What the heck was I thinking" moments. Looking up at that dirt covered mountain, every part of my brain was telling me to get back in the car and forget I ever had this crazy idea. But instead, I stepped my pretty, pink shoe into that dirt and began to climb...

 About ten minutes and thirty steps later, the best friend and I were sweaty, dirty and whiny. We did not look glamorous at all. (Who knew climbing a mountain was so hard?) As we stopped to take yet another break, a family with three small children zoomed past us on the trail. Two seconds later, an older woman ran by, as we stood there wheezing and sweating. At that point, we looked at each other's red faces and decided it was totally acceptable for us to give up. So we hung our heads in shame and walked those 30 steps back to the car.

 Let me tell you people, imaginary hiking is much more fun than the real thing. In real hiking, there is dirt and sweat and people old enough to be your grandma running by you. Next time I decide it's a good idea to hike can someone please remind me how much I hate nature? I will definitely stick to the gym from now on.

Too Soon?

Dear Santa,

Is it too soon to tell you what I want for Christmas? In case it's not, I'd really love these amazing Kardashian shoes.

Thanks,
Megan

[Remember my house and baby obsessions? I've moved on...to shoes.]

On the Ball

Chris loves Halloween. It's his very favorite holiday. Don't ask me why, because honestly I have no idea why anyone likes it. I am definitely not a fan. I'm the party pooper of all things Halloween. Sorry. Anyway, even though I'm a Negative Nancy when it comes to celebrating this holiday, I decided to be nice and send Chris the best Halloween box ever. And of course I had to send it at the beginning of the month because he's just so excited he asks for it every time he calls.

So, it all started when I found some adorable spider bags...

Then I had to find some candy to go in them. [Kit-Kat, anyone?]

But then I thought, "Why stop at candy? I think those boys need some cookies!"

So I made cookies...

Dozens and dozens of them.

Peanut Butter.

Sugar.

M&M.

Funfetti.

White Chocolate Chip.

But then I thought, "Why stop at cookies?!"

So then I made pumpkin muffins! [It is fall now afterall.]

And of course, if I was going to bake pumpkin muffins, they would have to be made in the cutest Halloween cupcake papers I could find!

[Isn't that little ghost so cute?]





So maybe Halloween isn't so bad afterall. I mean, I sure had fun baking all that stuff. Picking out the cute Halloween bags wasn't so bad either. And I'm sure Chris and the guys will have tons of fun trick-or-treating for cookies and pumpkin muffins with their spider bags. Maybe putting together this whole box was enough to change my feelings toward Halloween...but probably not.