news.

I have exciting news. For me, anyway.

Remember how I had that Senior Exit Project to do to graduate with my bachelor's degree? No? Well, I had to write a paper on First Steps - which is a government-funded program where individuals with early childhood/special education degrees come to children's homes (ages birth to 3) who were born with disabilities or are labeled as Developmentally Delayed.

you know. my dream job.

Anyhow, I got an A on my paper. Yeehaw! So now my final GPA from WKU is a 3.5!

Even though I made a 4.0 last semester... and generally have made ALL A's for the past year and a half, my GPA is only 3.5. Drat that stupid Nursing major! And drat my awful mathematics skills that I hope my children do NOT inherit.

So now I'm a college graduate for realz. I'm hoping this is enough to get some kind of job in Virgnia where I can work with kids. I really want to work at the Child Development Center on base.

My friend told me to go to usajobs.gov to apply to work at the childcare center on base, but the only jobs I can find on the website are like nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, etc. nothing as generic as working at a CDC on base.

Darnit, why couldn't I have just finished up my degree in Expectional Education!??! Then I'd have NO problem getting a job. In fact, principals would be begging for me. But no. I just have a gen ed degree with an emphasis in teaching. Argh!!! So frustrating.

There are 14 Special Education job openings in Hamptin City Schools alone. FOURTEEN! I'm fairly certain that Virginia would hire me with a promise that I would get my Master's within so many years... I've talked this over with my college professors many times.

"Satisfy the educational requirements of at least a bachelor's degree from a state-approved teacher preparation program from a Virginia college or university or an out-of-state approved educator program. The content area of the degree must meet the requirements for the endorsement sought. Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher, but without the necessary teacher preparation coursework, may fulfill this requirement by attending an approved alternative teacher preparation program."

hm. Oh well. When I get to Virginia and get settled in, I'm going to truck on over to Old Dominion and have them help me figure out what the heck I'm supposed to do with my life and my degree. I'll keep ya posted :) This really stresses me out. But there are MANY openings for jobs called "Special Ed - Early Childhood" and that looks pretty fun and amazing to me!!! Little kids with disabilities? They're right up my alley!

Note: I realize that I've said that I want to work at a daycare on base and then a couple paragraphs later I said I wanted to be a teacher in a public school. Two separate things with a huuuge salary difference. I'm totallly confused, and I admit this whole-heartedly. But I love children, and wherever God puts me, I'll be happy. As long as I'm surrounded by kids!

layout?

I redid my layout on a whim tonight.

I'm not really satisfied with it, but whatever.

See that gawky red line? I can't figure out how to change the color for the LIFE of me. ARGH!

And I do know how to read html. I even took a web design class! I've scanned the code over and over and can't find it. Can any of you help?!

Also, on the gawky red line, I should be able to insert links. But how in the blue bananas do you make a page? Like the ones Brittney has. I really don't know what I'd link anything to. Except maybe a little about me thingy and an update on our lives. I don't really know.

Anyway. If any of you can help, I can totally give you my blogger account & password so you can change it for me. Since I can't figure it out by myself! :]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[note: Mark noticed that I chose the background color of an avocado. HA! oops!]

I'm dipping into...

Hello, Mr. Avocado!



I used to hate you a lot. I stayed far, far away from you. You tasted yucky. I always made sure to tell the nice Mexican waiter No guacamole, please! just to be on the safe side.

But last week, things changed. I got a craving for you. Guacamole was on my mind, and I couldn't resist it. So I did the only logical thing: Drug my husband to 3 Mexican restaurants to taste a variety of guacamole.

I decided that I do like you. A lot. Enough to spend $10.41 on the supplies to make guacamole with you as the star ingredient.

Sure, you're extremely fattening. You're loaded with monounsaturated fat. One of you is roughly 300 calories! Sheesh! But I try to look past that and notice that you provide me with loads of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, folate, copper, and vitamin K. You give me more potassium than an entire banana!! Combine that with the Flintstone Vitamins that I bought yesterday, and my body's flying high!

So I researched a recipe to make guacamole and found Alton Brown's (one of my FAVORITE Food Network stars! Good Eats always provides a wealth of information about foods!). But I never like to completely follow the directions - so I added a jalapeno AND cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick (as the Neely's say!)

But first I squeeze lime juice all over you. I've added two limes for a little something extra.


I chopped up half an onion and tossed it in.


You were coming along just nicely. I took a taste here and there to see just how it was turning out!


After some cilantro (an acquired tasted that's NEW to me - thanks to MckMama!) and a tomato, you were all set for DIPPING!



My $1.99 tortilla chips from Kroger went perfect with you, dear avocado.


and no, I'm not pregnant. I don't know what's up with me, but I do know that I love guacamole now. I'll admit - it looks like a disgusting green mess. But it sure is yummy!


------------------

So apparently avocados are the cat's pajamas in the dietary world. Who knew? Certainly not me, or Paula Deen - who HATED avocados until she recently found out how fattening they were. Then she jumped on the bandwaggon and decided she loved them just because they're full of calories. I love that woman.

Anyway.

-Avocdos have more than FOUR TIMES the amount of beta-sitosterol (the stuff that lowers cholesterol) than fruits like bananas, canteloupse, grapes, cherries, apples, and plums

-Twice as much beta-sitosterol as corn, green soybeans, and olives

-This fruit has the highest concentration of Vitamin E

-Avocados are the BEST fruit source of lutein (an antioxident)

-They protect against liver damage and cancer

-Avocados contain more potassium than 26 other popular fruits (including raisins, bananas, peaches, cantaloupes, and orange juice) and 19 popular veggies (broccoli, carrots, corn & green beans)


So really. You have no exuse to NOT eat guacamole! Your body and your taste buds will thank you. I promise!



(PS Paigey - I was dipping my chips in the guacamole!)

taking the fun out of fundraiser.

doorbell rings.
i go to the door and open it.
and two teenage boys are staring at me.

boy: heeeyy... we're the two cutest neighbors on the block!

me: *blank stare*

boy: hahaha...

me: :\ *stare*

boy: oh.. ha.. just..kidding... anyway, I'm here because my dad is making me go from house to house to try and sell magazines for my fundraiser. do you like baseball?

me: um, not really.

boy: well, thanks for being honest! i'm here to sell magazines. but you won't be getting the magazine. a soldier will. for only $48 dollars...

me: is there a chance you could come by when my parents are home? you'd have better luck with them.

boy: woah woah woah. did you say your parents?!?

me: um, yes. my husband is in the military and i'm living with them until he finishes training.

boy: ohh okay. what's he in?

(and i explain it all)

boy: okay then.. you must be really familiar with the Wolverines.

me: no.

boy: you AREN'T?! ohh... you mus be really new to the military


.........

thought:
dude, aren't you trying to SELL ME SOMETHING?! you're doing an awful job so far.

........

me: well, yes, he joined in January. anyway.

boy: well do you have ANY money to spare for a donation?

me: not really. we are trying to save all of our money.

boy: oh. well okay. then do you have a bottle of water?

me: erm. not any in the fridge.

boy: oh that's okay. as long as it isn't 90 degrees, it will be fine.

*walk to get water, hand it to him, and say goodbye*

-------------

I mean really. He must be new to this whole salesperson thing. Obviously. And the water? I'm pretty sure he was just thirsty. At first I thought maybe they were collecting water for some charitable organization. But then I realized that nope! He's just hot and sweaty and annoying.


... cutest neighbor on the block? Puhlease.

teenagers. sigh.


in other news, i'll be dipping all afternoon. and, of course, posting about it. any guesses as to what the post will be about?!? and no, i'm not a tobacco user!

bunch of stuff.

I've mentioned this book before, but I finished it on my way to Texas. I was literally holding back the tears on the plane. The last book to make me cry was Tuesdays With Morrie, and that many years ago, if that tells you anything!


God: "Evil is a word we use to describe the absence of good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of light or death to describe the absence of life. Both evil and darkness can be understood only in relation to light and good; they do not have any actual existance. I am light and I am good. I am love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring independence from me will result in evil because apart from me, you can draw only upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life."


This book is about a man named Mack who takes his kids on a camping trip. His youngest daughter, Missy, is 6 years old and winds up being kidnapped and brutally murdered. They find her dress covered in blood in an old shack in the woods. Years later, he finds a note in his pocket asking him to go to the shack. The note is signed by God. Against his better judgment, he goes there and finds the Trinity. Only, it isn't what you'd think. God takes the form of an African American woman, Jesus takes the form of himself (a carpenter), and the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman. Sounds weird, right? I bet you're thinking this is heresy, but I can't explain how it is not. The only thing I can say is that "God" in the book explains that he is neither male nor female, and he can take any form he wants. (Later in the book he takes the form of a man). The book basically answers the question of: Where is God in all my pain? The book covers questions such as: Why does God allow such terrible things to happen? Does God truly love me? How could God love me and let this happen? It shows a different side of the Trinity than you've ever seen. I truly cannot put this book into words, but it reminds you that God does have a plan. We are totally screwed up on earth, so we have no ability to see the "bigger picture." But God is at work through it all. So is Jesus. and the Holy Spirit. And the book shows how the Trinity works together perfectly.

I seriously urge you to get this book. It's only about $10 at Walmart. It's a "Christian" book, so it's found at LifeWay as well!

It's sooo good. and it will leave you CRAVING Heaven like never before. Go buy it!



God: "...It's because you have such a small view of what it means to be human. You and this creation are incredible, whether you understand that or not. You are wonderful beyond imagination. Just because you make horrendous and destructive choices does not mean that you deserve less respect for what you inherently are -- the pinnacle of My creation and the center of My affection."

this book reminded me of how fond God loves of all of us. We are his children. He loves each of us deeply - more than we can ever understand.


-------------------

I just wanted to post 2 pictures of my adorable nephews. These were taken by my sister last week. She just got a new fancy schmancy camera. Yeehaw!





-----------------

Today, my older nephew, C, sat next to me and said:

"I am so glad that I met you. You are so great, and you are my best friend."



and then my heart melted, of course.

my last trip to Sheppard AFB!

As MckMama sometimes says, I hope this post doesn't make your retinas bleed. For real.
(or make your computer freak out and freeze!)

I had no Internet connection this time around, so that's why I've been MIA. Sorry about that. But now I'm (sadly) home, so I'm all set to give y'all some highlights!


Had a rocky flight but landed safely.
Got stuck with an ugly Mazda minivan thing.
Craved guacamole like a 9-month preggo chick.
Made husband go get guacamole with me.
Ate guacamole.
Became cuddlers-extraordinare.
Got "stuck" in TLF (temp living facility).
Had an oven and a dishwasher. Didn't use either.
Drove around base and saw Mark's poles.
Snapped loads of pictures of hubby with planes.
Ate a nasty 4th of July lunch at the dining facility with my AF Wives group.
Paid $2 to swim at the super-cool base pool.
Didn't watch where I was going and fell on my hands and knees on the concrete.
In front of everyone.
Got 2 huuuge gashes on my knees and almost cried on Mark's shoulder.
Went to Lucy Park in search of the water falls.
Didn't find them, so we had a photo session instead.
Drove to the local fireworks show.
It was rained out, to no surprise.
Ate a second meal at Jack in the Box with AF wives & hubbies.
Because eating fast food on our nation's birthday is the patriotic thing to do. Trust me.
Went to Cracker Barrel and ate a freakin ton of food.
Munched on Mark's pancakes. Marveled at how delicious they were.
Cuddled a ton more in-between all this.
Took naps.
Went to the Olive Garden with the AF wives group. and husbands!
Ate calamari with hubby and racked up another big bill.
Asked hubby to iron my shirt while I got ready.
Tried again to find the water fall.
Found it. Took pictures. Kissed a bunch!
Played ping pong with hubby just like the good old days.
Realized I still had it in me, even though I haven't played in over a year!
Insisted that we get his ABUs so I can dress up like him.
Put on the ABUs and posed for the camera.
Ate Mexican food 3 times in 4 days.
Ate a ton of food in 4 days.
Gained 4lbs in 4 days.
Kissed Mark goodbye at the hotel.
Cried after him when he left.
Got woken up at 4am by a loud bang.
Stayed up and walked to meet him at 520am.
Ate Cocoa Krispies at the crack of dawn with my man.
Cried some during breakfast.
Walked outside with him and sobbed in his uniform.
Wiped my nose in his uniform.
And said goodbye.
But only for 50 days.
:]



It was the best weekend ever! In case you can't tell by my little summary of the weekend, we had loads of fun! In-between the knee scrapes, crying, and sleepless nights! Now I know you all want pictures! Keep in mind that there are 200 pictures on Facebook, so truck on over and see all of them there!









So there you have it! And, like I said, we only have FIFTY DAYS to go! I better start putting my party planning into 5th gear! That's 7 weekends to go. Hopefully it will "fly by" - but please don't tell me that it will. Because it probably won't. It's inching by for us. But this weekend was like dream for us. It was PERFECT! I can't wait to pick him up at the airport on August 26th. Now that will be exciting!!!

And our new (and final) countdown begins. It's only 25x2. or 5x10. We can do it!




EDIT: I'm sick of anonymous comments. I'm disabling them. Sorry. If you really want to voice your opinion, take TWO FREAKIN MINUTES out of your day and create an account. Then you can be a jerk to my face. Thank you!

the move!

Yesterday took all of my energy. I tell you what: moving and buying a car in the same day? I must be mad. Of course, moving allowed me to see all of our wedding presents that we forgot we had! How fun. I really want to dig in our storage tubs and play with my Martha Stewart dishes, utensils, and towels! And our Paula Deen dishes, including a teeny pan that is oh so cute that could be used to make sauces. Or to cook food in for myself if Mark is deployed. Sigh.


And now... for a Moving Poem


Oh, dear garage...
with boxes piled high
toaster oven on top
bathroom towels to the sky.





Bed tray from Target
That I've been eying for so long
Yes, I've spent a ton of money there
But big deal - is that so wrong?!




Couches in our storage building
taking up too much space
I won't post my picture here
so you can't see my sweaty face




Moving truck full of stuff
Boxes everywhere
TV in the very back
Next to a big ol' rocking chair!






Paula Deen on a box
With her teeth gleaming white
I bet butter comes with this set
-oh wouldn't that be a sight!?





Finally it's all packed away
Our work is finally done!
Now that our stuff is packed away
it feels like our adventure has kind of begun!






The End.



And that isn't even all of our stuff. We still have more furniture in the furniture store's warehouse! Sheesh. But now I think I've gotten everything situated. I even ordered our new insurance today all on my own. I'm turning into Mrs. Independent! Truthfully, I've always pictured myself as a SAHM with kids on my hip, packing my husband's lunch, cooking his supper, and cleaning the house. All day. Everyday. Somehow, my life took a turn. A drastic turn. Down Military Avenue. And now I'm self-reliant and independent. What's up with that?!?


Granted, SAHMs are extremely self-relient. But in a different way. It's an entirely different thing when your husband's across the country for 7 months. Self-reliance kicks into a different gear in that case.

Anyway.

So things are falling right into place, and it's all going great. Oh, and in case you forgot :

I go see Mark TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exciting, right?! We get to sleep together for four nights. YIPPIE!


My plane leaves at 9:50, and I'll be in Wichita Falls by 2:10pm. He gets out of school around 5. Our plans include: quick supper on Thursday and a night full of cuddling in the hotel room.

That's it. That's all we want. Well almost all we want. Bwhahahaha...



Anyway, I will be Twittering (something I suck at) to keep you all updated on my flight. Let's all hope and pray that my plane is NOT delayed. Gah - if I have to endure what happened in May again, I think I will cry. No - I will DEFINITELY cry. So keep me in your prayers.



See you tomorrow!!!