Thursday Thoughts

Hmmmm, lots and lots of decisions made this past week, my oh my this is fun...well, sort of. Actually it's a little scary too! But we are rolling on and rolling out. Life is going to be different soon. That BIG R word is not just a thought it's reality. How exciting, but how, I don't know, I don't have words for what I am thinking.

So here are my Thursday thoughts:

• I think I'm doing a new blog...
• I'm outta space on this blog for pics :(
• Beautiful bright shiny moon lately is smile material

So, I am out of pictorial space on this blog and I'm very sad. However, since I was already considering starting a new blog this being out of space pretty much seals the deal there will indeed be a new blog. Just trying to sort it all out and make a few administrative decisions. May buy some space to finish out, we'll see, too many decisions coming all at once!

Oh what a day!

It started early and ended late. I have pictures to share of the most interesting part of the day...

Let me set the stage. The email said in part:

The activity will be "no skills required, no tools required" but may involve glitter.

It went on to say:

We will meet at XXX to assemble centerpieces - no expertise required just willing hands.

Riiiiiight...

I'm telling you I am NOT the crafty one. I am a good worker bee with the right visual aid to follow! But creative, crafty talent  I do not really possess; anyway, I showed up to do my part! So TEAM DB was formed for the morning. We set out on the mission we were given... painting "bulbs", then we moved on to pine cones, and lastly sticks. We did end up doing our share of bottles since a few boxes were found undone towards the end and we non bottle painters pitched in so we could wrap this work group up for the day!

And personally, I think the email was a little bit misleading you DID need skill! But I think I was a quick learner and much was accomplished and we are looking good for the centerpieces for the holiday party.

 The BWBs

 

 Team DB painted pine cones! FYI the silver ones were classy!

 Our bottle stash!

 There were also wine glasses that got an Epsom rim dip.

 

 

 LODE takes us through the bottle blinging process

• Spray the adhesive on the bottle
• Roll the bottle in Epsom salts
• Spray again

 

 After spraying the second time you can add glitter!

 J-Vet shows off the finished bottle masterpiece!

Miss LODE and J-Vet were bottle masterpiece creators extraordinaire. We have over 60 bottles done; I think that's about half way to our needed number. I can forsesee another workday in our future and I can tell you two things: I will wear older shoes and bring gloves! I will also pray for a non windy day.

 RR on bottle duty!

 

 There was a lot of washing up going on!!!

 Casualties of the day...

Thankfully, MiB was at home getting a change of clothes and was able to being me a pair of black shoes since I was on my way to meet him at the CCAF graduation. Thankful also that RR had goo-gone and I was able to clean up my hands to be able to at least be a little more public ready. 

The day ended well with dinner at a new Mexican place for us, Tito's. MiB did enjoy it, I had been there a few weeks ago and liked it just fine as well, so far we gave it the only thumbs up for a Mexican restaurant in this area.

I am hoping for a pretty great weekend, we will be attending the Marine Corps Ball tomorrow night with the ENA crew. Pretty excited about that. Pics will follow :) Have a great weekend.  

Monday, Monday oh my it's Monday!

Whoa, what a weekend! It was jammed packed and I was truly happy for bed last evening and for my extra hour but it's Monday morning now and we are prepped to start all over again though the calendar is thankfully not so full this week!

I am getting a few house things accomplished and then getting out the door to catch up on those mundane errands that have been put by the wayside in the wake of a very busy last few weeks and weekends. I am also doing launder, tidying up on the home front (dust IS evil), de-cluttering still and getting my "winter clothes" out. That kinda makes me chuckle but it seems it might be time to pull out some long sleeve shirts and put the shorts away. I could be wrong cause the weather has been so awesome but I do think shorts with the exception of one pair are going away until spring.

Sooooo hope you have a productive day, it's really a bit dreary here so finding my motivation is causing me to dig deep, very deep but I'm going there, I'm getting it done. My list is getting smaller but yet larger, I love it. It pleases me to see what I am getting done and what I am planning to do. It's exciting! Never a dull moment at 1104 that's for sure!

Happy Monday all!

Day 25 - Notso

Things I don't like so much...or notso favorites!

Well, I don't want this to be a negative post so I will be sensitive to what I don't like so much! Really, I will and I will not bore you I hope!

Now this is not an everyday occurrence in my world, THANK GOD, but it certainly was notso much a favorite when I found it...

  DEAD frog!

I have NO IDEA how this frog got where he did, all I know is that when I found him I was notso happy. I was opening the blinds and thought at first he was alive. He was notso much, I don't know which is worse finding him dead or alive, but since he was dead I went ahead and left him there for MiB to see. YUCK : /

Hmmmm, this is harder then I thought...okay, well, I don't like gnats and flies, they are evil so are mosquitoes! Notso much! I also don't like litterbugs and people who toss out chewed gum. That' makes me a little bit angry. I know these are just little things but I don't like them. so yeah, notso much do those thing work for me.

Another thing I don't really like is people touching me as in getting a massage. I know people who love massages, notso for me, it is NOT relaxing, it tenses me up and yes I've had one and doubt it is anything I will repeat again. It's just notso much for me! I do not mind a hug though :)

Lastly, you may or may not recall that I don't like to drive, especially at night! The drive to my own house here in LA I'm notso much a fan. It's really notso much the drive as it is THE drive. I know I've mentioned this but for those who forgot we live on the East side of this base. So when I drive home from Main base which is nearly everyday sometimes three times a day and once in awhile four, it's those days I notso much like it eve less! I don't drive that far but THE drive is a little how shall I put it, hmmmm, well, the drive just stinks.

One of the 45 MPH stretches!

Let me explain, I leave main base heading home. I leave the housing area and it's 15 MPH. Then it's 25 MPH on the rest of the base until I get over by the static displays where it's a 35 MPH zone for just a short 1/4 of a mile or so you can whiz along at 45 MPH. The you drop it back down to 25 MPH for less then an eye blink to pass by the gate, then you are hauling again as it's back up to45 MPH for a little ways; then it's down to 25 MPH to make the ALS turn. Creep on up to 35 MPH while you blink then you get to cruise along at 50 MPH for a nice little ride until you have to drop it back to 35 MPH through the Cullen park area. From there it's 40 MPH for a good bit til you drop it down to 25 MPH to make the Shoppette turn. Once you get just past the fire house then you can sail on in at  40 MPH til the 25 MPH hits near the tennis courts for the duration, well until you drop it down to 15 MPH those last few blocks into the the driveway.

If you didn't count or couldn't keep up that is 14 speed limit changes, yes I did just say fourteen and all in about 15.5 miles or so. It's notso much fun on this drive to my house especially if you get behind someone who is notso familiar with the speed limits or say a GOV truck loaded with weapons, or a forklift or a lawn mower or a heavy equipment operator, yeah, that makes this drive even more loveable! (NOT) Oh, well, I am thankful for cruise control cause I use it on this drive and it could be worse, right or notsomuch? LOL :)

Reading and wondering about the Day +# post? Look here!

Day 23 - Fall

Since this little challenge happens in October I think I will let you know that FALL is my absolute FAVORITE season. Even though fall officially started 22 September I think of it being more fall like in October. I love the fall. To be fair I also like Spring and Summer, hmmmm Winter, notsomuch. Sorry Winter. I don't mind you so much when I am located where you are mild or where I do not have to get out in your big elements (wind and snow). But I think liking one season a little more then another is part of anyone's ordinary life!

But let's get back on the subject of fall. I think I like it because I really love the jewel tones and those are after all the colors of fall. That's probably one of the reasons I am more partial to fall. I am also a lover of the pumpkin so that just makes loving fall all the better!

Some of the sights from my area that say fall to me...

Little tree with beeeeee-u-ti-ful red leaves!!!!

PUMPKINS!!!!

My own cranberry wreath :)

Unfortunately, for me, the sights of fall have to be sought out. This area does not have the gorgeous trees that change colors readily available, mostly there are pines here. There are not the rolling hills with the majestic fall colors but it's still all good we didn't have that in FL either. However, the bestest place we have ever lived for fall, other then the Ozarks in my own home state of MO, was VA with the gorgeous Shenandoah Skyline area. CO was a close second sporting the beauty of the mountains with their aspen trees. Yep, I love fall!

The posting explaining the Day + # is here...

Day 16 - Blogging

Whew, this 31 Day Challenge thing is hard and I am so glad it is half way over! Woohoo! I hope I still have enough ordinary life to finish this thing!

I enjoy blogging, it serves as a reminder and record of our life. Our family says they enjoy it too. Sometimes I think I want it private, I mean anyone can read this thing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but there are c.r.a.z.y. people out there. Even though I don't use our real names if you really wanted to I am sure you could find out who we are and hunt us down. Seriously, some days I think it's really nuts I put our life out there...but then other days I think this is awesome I am recording all this stuff. I only laugh when I think about the stuff I don't post, you know the "I can't make this stuff up" type things. Yeah, I have a rich garden of that and most of the time it doesn't get harvested.

So there are sometimes I wish I would hear from those who do read my blog. I know I have a few loyal readers. I also know people just cruise in from who knows where. Well, really, I do know where as I have a little tracker app on the page so I get an idea of who is where but sometimes I wish there were some comments. What I really don't get is those who read it and know me as in real life and in person know me and then they email me and say, "hey, loved your blog post today". Yep, that happens, and I think so why didn't you just comment on my blog and say that? But I don't cause it's a personal thing, I know I also read a lot of blogs and I never make comments either but I faithfully read. That's kinda like the pot calling the kettle black huh!

Oh, well, I do it for personal reasons and not comments so that's that. Blogging it's fun and therapeutic maybe more people should try it!

Day 6 - Eye Wear

Part of my ordinary life is sporting eye wear, EVERYDAY.  I have worn glasses/contacts since I learned I have a seeing deficiency when I was 16 years old. That came about when I went to get my driver's license. Yep, I couldn't pass the eye exam. I got glasses within the month. I switched to contacts in college when I had saved up enough money to pay for the exam and contacts myself. I have never looked back, I love the option of contacts.

I would be lost without these!

I often think I should have had that LASIK procedure done when I was younger. Especially now that I need readers. I will eventually end up with bifocals. In fact my last prescription was written as a bifocal but I chose to not think I needed them just yet and got it filled as single vision. I'm pretty sure I should have went ahead and bit the bullet and got the bifocal but I thought I don't need them.

 

That's my two new pair of single visions...should have gotten them bifocal 8/

Sometimes I go upstairs early and take out my contacts before bed and wear my bedtime glasses, I keep those in the bathroom in the drawer. That way they are there when I take my contacts out. They are an older pair with a not so current prescription but they work for evening hours!

  Bedtime glasses

I also wear my bedtime glasses for early morning walks/runs rather then try to pop in contacts. When I do that I generally need my clip on shades. And lets not forget the sunglasses I wear when I am in my daily contacts. Yes, there are no shortages of eyewear here! Sunglasses are my friend too!

Clips on and sunglasses...

Then there are the "readers" I have all over the house...MiB does too! We have both reached that age that our arms are not long enough to help us see anymore we have to grab the readers hence the reason they are strategically placed throughout the house!

Do you see my kitchen pair, there on the shelf above the sink?

That's my living room pair on the window ledge beside my favorite chair!

Can you spot my bedside pair of readers?

Yep, they are everywhere...even a unisex pair in my purse for reading those pesky small print menus at restaurants or programs at events in dimly lit rooms. I need readers no matter where I am! I carry the unisex pair in my purse so that MiB and I can share them when we are out.

Unisex readers!

Everyday, ordinary people wearing glasses, yep, that's me 8)

If you are not sure what's going on with the DAY +# postings check here!

Weekend WrapUP

Once again we have had a fun, full weekend! The fun started Friday at neighbor's promo! Congrats MAJOR!

Promo at Hanger2

Then we went on to a function at the club came home to a little round the table time. 


Saturday was rainy but not as much as today. We got out and got our errands done before the neighborhood gathering. That was a Mexican feast complete with The Machine in full operation. We tried our hands at strawberry daiquiri's. IF we do them again there will need to be tweaking but they were acceptable for a first time batch! 

 The Machine is filled and ready!

Good time was had by all! There was even some football watching amongst the eating and visiting! Go Game Cocks. Would you believe that until last night I NEVER new there was a team that had such a name? We had a very faithful avid Game Cock fan in the house I learned much!

 Game Cock fan!

 Football fans!

 Today has been a lazy day as the rain has continued to fall and it is steady unlike yesterday where it was sprinkling mostly. On and off for most of the day with smatterings of steady falling rain coming late in the evening. Today we woke up to semi wetness and then pretty much steady falling rain has commenced. We toyed with the idea of a movie but did not follow through. It's just been one of those nice, slow, relaxing days, though I had thoughts of being productive I pretty much just stayed right next to MiB in our favorite chair all the day long! Watched a little golf and a little football and did a lot of snuggling! Life is good :)

NOTE: The opening of the 31 day challenge will open tonight...so I'm really trying to get my act together and get linked up. I am not going with my with Day 1 posting. I'm just going to link up the one I talked about the challenge a few days back! I sure hope I can figure it all out as I do not want to be late to the party...

31 Days of MY ORDINARY LIFE

 I'm gearing up to go 31 days...hold on it might be a wild ride!

I think I made that button up there correctly...if I didn't you could see it change. Making a "button" once over a year ago does not make me a proficient button maker!  

So I'm playing again this year...yes, I'm committing along with the Nester to posting the entire month of October and it's going to kill me be so much fun! REALLY, really, really it is; it's going to be fun! Last year I did it for the first time and it WAS fun and hard and exhausting and rewarding and crazy all rolled into one. I really did plan to have a better 31 Days planned out this year. I even made a document and named it 31 Days 2012 during the 31 Days last year. I even put down some thoughts and ideas. However, I JUST opened that up and looked at it last week. No since getting in a hurry or anything :)It is a good start, I just need a little R&D or more like T&C (TIME & COMMITMENT) and it's good to go!

Anyway, my 31 Days will be simple, I hope! I'm just going to be documenting my ordinary life and thoughts...you know the normal everyday ordinary daily stuff that most do. I may find out that the title is not really spot on but it's what I'm going with! There are lots of other way more talented, creative bloggers participating in this challenge but I am still signing on and plan to enjoy it! I will be linking the Days below as we go along, enjoy!

Day 1 - Exercise
Day 2 - Morning Coffee
Day 3 - The Scales
Day 4 - Calendaring
Day 5 - Celebrations
Day 6 - Eye Wear
Day 7 - Prayers
Day 8 - Laptop
Day 9 - Voting
Day 10 - Cooking
Day 11 - Cars
Day 12 - Friends
Day 13 - Neighbors
Day 14 - Reading
Day 15 - Favorites
Day 16 - Blogging
Day 17 - Purses
Day 18 - Shoes
Day 19 - SBC
Day 20 - Movies
Day 21 - MyFamily
Day 22 - Bare Escentuals
Day 23 - Fall
Day 24 - Military - MiB
Day 25 - Notso
Day 26 - Temptation
Day 27 - Wedding
Day 28 - Football
Day 29 - Death
Day 30 - the BIG R
Day 31 - D.O.N.E.

Thursday Thoughts!

Howdy! Thursday has crept up on me again...ack!

So it's been a normal week, going to and fro and living life in between. It hit me yesterday in a meeting that OCTOBER is almost here! Wow, I am in a wee bit of shock. I have much that I would like to do and had intended to have some of it done before October 1. We'll see.

I also think I want to do the 31 Days again...but I had thought I would do better planning this time. Guess not...

Off to the Attic this morning and then ALS graduation this evening.

Thoughts:

• Running & walking :)
• Good to talk to family this week!
• Looking forward to neighbor gathering :)
• We are still having nice and warm temps!!

Weekend WrapUP

Seems like I was just going TGIF and here it is Sunday evening...These days pass so quickly!

Friday evening we enjoyed dinner then headed to the movies, since we needed to make a quick stop (read that two stores looking for "something" but not sure what) we were a little later then planned getting to the theater so the nice lady selling tickets told us it wasn't sold out but wold be very crowded; we opted out. Took the scenic route home and enjoyed a neighborhood walk before turning out the lights!

Saturday morning was gorgeous as we enjoyed morning coffee then stopped in on Operation Hero, where our military children get to experience what it's like to prepare for deployment among other VERY COOL activities. There was paint ball, obstacle courses, a firetruck with a hose out to shoot water, an ambulance with a "patient", SFS troops with their BIG guns, hummer and MRAP (which was uber cool) and bouncy house. Way cool stuff! I think everyone was having a great time and the breeze was awesome as it warmed up!

We headed to the BPCC100 after this and saw some "racing"! Neat stuff and great dedicated folks representing. Mighty Deuce LOA took 8th overall, way to go team! It was fun to get to mingle with the pit crews and meet the drivers! NASCAR fans can relate I'm sure! It was fun just simply fun!

The MIGHT DEUCE LOA Car

 Pit support...official and unofficial!

 The gokartsupply.com Car heavily supported by TEAM BARKSDALE

 gokartsupply.com Car taking their timed lap!

We didn't get a picture of the Lander's car but the two drivers were military...we were well represented! GO TEAM BARKSDALE...

Since we were out we decided to give Whatabruger a try for a late lunch. I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, I wasn't sure when we walked in but I did enjoy my burger. MiB enjoyed this one and I was totally impressed with the amount of bacon on there. I may have that next time! Yes, we will be going back!

Then we spent another evening on main base with the boss, his spouse and our MXG leaders. That's the last of the group socials, we have a little break until next month when we will gather again with the staff. I will be glad to have my Saturday nights back after a month of not. We do church on Saturday evenings so we have been out for the month of September with these gathers. Not that we don't have several things come up that conflicts it's just that this month seemed full with no break on weekends.

Today I did rise and shine and got a walk in then came home to coffee. Nice cool morning and beautiful start of the day. MiB and I headed over to the community pool so I could get on the SUP. If I do say so myself I think I did just fine thankyouverymuch! If was a bit challenging but fun. Not sure how I would feel about it in open waters but in the pool it was dandy :) MiB wants to get me in a kayak next...not so sure about that!

 Pool SUPing

Then it was off to the movies...yes, plural. Thought we were just going for one then we ended up seeing another! Started with that new Clint Eastwood one and ended with Hope Springs! Both were worth the watch in my book, though I would wait for the DVD on Hope Springs if you haven't seen it. Eastwood's Trouble with the Curve I would definitely go ahead and take it in while it's playing at the theater as we did enjoy it quite a bit!

After making it home, talking with the MO family and having homemade veggie soup we are now chillaxin'. LIFE IS GOOD! Would like to get a chat in with LilBlue since I missed her call while we in the movies and I do need to get a little bit productive before bedtime with laundry but other then that it's time to chill and catcha little football! Have a great week!

Thursday Thoughts!

Airport run today :) MiB will be back!

Going to the Attic, gotta make a commissary stop as it's Neighborhood Ladies Night Out. I have a couple other errands to do and that's pretty much it for today. Light, I like it. Looking forward to the ladies being over and just chillaxin'! We do that good on the East side!

Thoughts:

• Will he or won't he?
• And when will it happen?
• Ready for the weekend NOW :)
• Thinking of being a homeowner again...

His View / Her View

It's a crisp morning today in LA and I knew I would not be rolling out of bed early to get my exercise in. So when I got a call from MiB telling me good morning and that he was looking at a wonderful view of the harbor and that he had sent me a picture of his view I thought that's very nice.

And seriously, I was thrilled to hear his voice. He's only been gone since Sunday and we have of course texted and emailed many times but it is always good to hear his voice and hear those three little words that still make my insides swirl. Anyway, after hanging up I thought I have a pretty good view too :)

 

I'm having as much of a home day-morning as I can, which means not much cause my attend this and to do list are calling! But I did finish my book and the view was awesome along with the coffee!

Cookin'

Sometimes I feel like we never have "real" meals. MiB comes home late, I fix food but it's not IMO or his a "meal". Sooooo Friday I made him ham n' beans with fried potatoes and corn bread. He was in heaven. Then today I fixed tomato steak with boiled potatoes and corn, he was again in heaven. Food definitely speaks to this man :)

Tomato Steak :)

Honestly, I think at our age we just cannot eat this way so much anymore or it starts to show. I have been trying to take weight off not gain and eating these "meals" is hard on my efforts!

Life is good! Cooler temps have hit for a few days there is a touch of potential fall in the air!

Thursday Thoughts

It's been too long. I have not been so good at keeping up with my postings. I would say it's a combination of things, life and just needing to be quiet. I am sure at some point I will reflect on this time but for now I will not.

Thoughts:

• Need a slow down
• Ready for the weekend
• Life is full of many surprises!

In other noteworthy news we have an addition to the kitchen. Not sure it's the final resting place but for now it's at home. We have enjoyed it and hopefully will be able to gather the supplies needed for better things to come out of it. So far pickings here are slim, a Texas trip may be in order.

 THE Machine...

 THE Machine enjoyers!

So we have been on the hunt for a machine for quite some time. Just kept watching CraigsList and other online venues and finally one was available. Actually it was located in OKC, thanks Uncle G, for making this happen and for delivering enroute. WOW, it's amazing to say the least. Can't wait to put all three bays to use. Hoping to get our supply chain working for the right mix and get it going with our secret recipe. Also plan to develop some new recipes. MiB is definitely thinking frozen mocha cappuccinos and who knows what else we will come up with! Should be fun for sure!

We will be doing all we can to make sure it's ready for the next neighborhood gathering in October but might even try it out at the ENA (EastSide Neighborhood Association) ladies night out in a couple weeks and I'm pretty sure we will be using it at couple's night at the end of the month :)

Thursday Thoughts

Isaac is on his way so we are heading north. Not really to miss him but we are making a quick trip up to the BigO to see LilBlue. Glad we are missing the storm.

Thoughts:

• Thankful for wifi!
• Loooooooong road trip
• Love White Grill cheeseburgers!

That's it cause we still have miles to go...be safe out there if you and Isaac are meeting up!

Neighborly evening!

Since there are so many new faces in the neighborhood and many wanted to have another gathering after our ice cream social we decided to have a little driveway cookout. It was a nice evening for it and many came out to join in.

 ALL the kids enjoyed the toys!

Just a whole lot of much needed chillaxin' going on! Great evening, good food! The weather was so good, even if it was a bit HOT when we started by the time we were ready to call it an evening it had been perfect for a long time!