Coffee: An addiction or a necessity?

3.) How did your love affair with Coffee begin? (Or Diet Coke or Tea or whatever
your beverage of choice might be.) (inspired by Buried With Children)

I didn't drink coffee until I started working at McDonald's when I was a freshman in college. Not only didn't I drink it I didn't like it.  Then one morning when I was opening at 5:30 am and I was dragging they suggested coffee instead of my usual Coke. I mixed a bit of creamer and sugar and took my first sip. My initial reaction wasn't love but it did the job of waking me up. And the combination of the cream, the coffee, and the sugar were delightful. It took me a while to find my perfect mixture.

Now I have a precise mixture for my cream, coffee, and sugar. I love a good well blended mocha from Starbucks and it can make a bad day better. But my favorite is a good cup of regular coffee with a good amount of cream and about two packs of sugar. The creamy goodness mixed with the warmth make everything better. On a cold or rainy day it is a perfect pick me up.

My husband picks on me because he claims I am more of a coffee flavored, sweetened, creamer girl than a real coffee drinker but it does the job. I could go without a number of things but never having coffee again would be rough. Oh and no decaf for me...it's the real stuff or no stuff.  And on days when I'm out of half and half I've been known to add Bailey's and/or Kahlua instead. Yummy!!

Thank you to Mama's Losin' It! for the topic...now head over to her site and check out the rest.

The Voice: Faithfully

Last night on the Voice one of the battle duets was the song Faithfully by Journey. The song truly fit the two guys singing it because they were young family men trying to get a career started to take care of their families.  I admit I shed a few tears because their rendition was so moving. 


As I sat there watching I was struck by how appropriate this song is for a military couple. Just look at the words "restless hearts sleep alone tonight" or "and being apart ain't easy on this love affair, two strangers learn to fall in love again, I get the joy of rediscovering you." So today I leave you with the video and the lyrics.  


What song seems to be a perfect description of you life right now?






Highway run into the midnight sun 
Wheels go round and round 
You're on my mind 
Restless hearts sleep alone tonight 
Sending all my love along the wire 
They say that the road 
ain't no place to start a family 
Right down the line it's been you and me 
And loving a music man 
ain't always what it's supposed to be 

Girl 
you stand by me 
I'm forever yours 
faithfully 
Circus life under the big top world 
We all need the clowns to make us laugh 
Through space and time 
Always another show 
Wodering where I am lost without you 
And being apart ain't easy on this love affair 
Two strangers learn to fall in love again 
I get the joy of rediscovering you 

Oh girl 
you stand by me 
I'm forever yours 
faithfully 
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh 
oh oh oh oh oh oh 
faithfully 
I'm still yours 
I'm forever yours 
Ever yours 
faithfully 

Hunger Games

My weekend was a lot of fun but way too short.

Friday night I had some steaks in my freezer and I wanted to grill them but two things...there were two steaks equaling 3.5lbs of meat and I don't grill well. We have a charcoal grill and I'm not good at judging things on it cooking wise. J rocks at it he really is the grill master but I do better with a stove and an oven. So I asked my wonderful neighbor if I provided the steaks would he do the cooking. So I took my half cow over to their house and the three of us had steak, crab cakes, sweet potatoes, and garlic bread. It beat any steak place hands down. So good.

Saturday I was a bump. I got up to take care of the dogs and to pick up the yard so the same neighbor could mow. Then I napped on the couch. But I needed it. Then Mom and I went to see Hunger Games (with everyone else and their aunt and uncle). We went to a 3:00 showing and it was sold out. A few observations...

• You don't have to have read the book to enjoy the movie.
• The story line feels oddly familiar to me like a book I read in high school familiar but I can't place it.
• I think because I hadn't read the book I was missing some background material that would have been helpful.
• I liked the fact that it wasn't so graphically violent which I knew it wouldn't be because it is PG-13.
• I love that the main character Katniss is such a strong female character.
• I enjoyed the "love triangle." 
• I haven't been in such a quiet theater since I saw World Trade Center.
• The cast was perfectly picked. Each actor portrayed their role brilliantly.

For now that is all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I recommend you go see it.

Then Sunday was the usual church and errands stuff. 

How was your weekend?

Shamrock (Towne Bank) 8K

My goodies! I forgot to include the bag we got in the picture. And the tiara was my own purchase but I had to include it in the picture. I can no longer say the longest race I've done is a 5K! I walked an 8K on Saturday with my girlfriend J and we had a blast. She and I finished in 1 hour and 45 minutes. We weren't trying to set a record or break a personal record we just wanted to finish. And we did!! I admit I was tired at the end and feeling run down. But I was so proud of us. I did great until about mile 4 then I started to feel a bit ready for the finish line lol. My goal for next year is to finish it in a shorter amount of time.

A few race day observations...parking was a hassle they directed us to parking garages and then charged us $10 to park. To me they could have included that in the race fee.

The start was well organized...we were in Corral 6 (the last one) so we walked about 7 blocks before we ever got to the finish line. But it wasn't too bad. And our start was good. The route was flat so that made for a nice walk.

At the end we had a few frustrations...other people had finished and weren't paying attention to those of us still walking so they would walk across the route, stand in the route, etc. I guess I feel like they had the opportunity to race in a clear route and we should too. I kinda felt like that was partially the volunteers who stopped keeping the route clear. They said we had up to 2 hours to finish so keep the path clear for 2 hours. And the Celebration Party at the End was very disorganized. They had free food and free beer but not really clear indications of where to go to get it. We ended up leaving and going to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. It was delish!!

But overall I had a great time and I would definitely do it again!! I was a little sore the next day but not too bad. And for the first time I'm actually thinking about trying to do a 10 miler or a half marathon. I'm just not sure how it works for walkers.

I Will Thrive: Deployment Stories...Lost

Last night on my way home I debated between going to the store and buying the ingredients for taco salad or just stopping by Moe's on my way home to pick one up. I decided to just pick one up. Some how in the process of walking into the restaurant, being in the restaurant and walking back out to my car (a period of 15 minutes) my keys disappeared. I went back in and looked around for about an hour and a half no luck. They checked the camera, the trash can, etc no luck. I was on a college campus so I called their campus police and reported it. So far I haven't heard anything. I suspect that I set them down when getting my drink and someone else accidentally picked them up. Because I just can't see how else they disappeared.

The restaurant was mostly helpful but they kept suggesting I hadn't lost them and that they were in my car. I had locked my car on my way in so I knew this wasn't the case. Fortunately a friend of mine came and got me, took me home to get my spare set and brought me back to my car. Also equally fortunate my neighbor was home so I could get my spare key. I admit it was almost the straw that broke the camel's back. I was on the verge of tears in the parking lot when I was looking for them.

I called both the restaurant and the campus police today with no luck. I hold out one more hope that my YMCA tag will help them return. But we shall see. When I talked to J this morning he said "no one was hurt and nothing was lost that can't be replaced, look for them for a few days and then stop stressing about it." That was what I needed to hear I was so stressed about it.

I admit I'm just frustrated. Have you ever had a experience where you lost something and you were so frustrated?

Heavy Heart

Leukemia Awareness

I have a heavy heart this week and today. A dear friend and co-worker has been in ICU fighting his second round with Leukemia. They have given him chemo and it is apparently more than his body can handle. There is concern he may not make it through this. So we are praying without ceasing for him, his wife, and their 13 year old daughter.

If you are a person who prays please add my friend to your prayer list. Thank you!!

8Ks and 5Ks...It's All for a Good Cause

Source

I am not a runner...I am not really a jogger...I'm a walker. I'm ok with this. And I think I've officially gone to the dark side when it comes to "races" I admit I enjoy them. I like the atmosphere at the start and the end. It's a big feeling of "we're all in this together." And some of my races have been fun runs, some have been get fit runs, and a few have been fundraisers.

Currently I'm anticipating my 8K this weekend. I'm looking forward to it and I hope we have good weather. I got new shoes for the event, they are Brooks. I love their clothes and so far I love the shoes.

One of the races I did last year was for the Wounded Warrior Project and I'm looking at doing one for WWP again this year in April. I've signed up for another 5K in April already for Be the Match, the organization that works to help find bone marrow matches for those fighting leukemia and other blood diseases. The race is called Be The One Run and I'm running it in honor of my co-worker James who continues his battle with leukemia. And is most likely going to need a bone marrow transplant. So this cause is very near and dear to me.

I'm also looking at doing the Color Run in DC if it works into my schedule. And I'd like to get to the point where I can do the Wicked 10K in October so we'll see how it goes.

How are your fitness goals going?

Weight Watchers...Will you remember me?

So I've decided to go back to Weight Watchers. I admit I went back and forth on it a lot. Because to be honest WW and I have had a love/hate relationship. But when I talked to so many people who had great success on it and then I read Jennifer Hudson's book I decided it was silly to keep avoiding it. When I talked to J about it he felt like I had done the best when I was doing WW so he supports it whole heartedly.

I haven't done the Points Plus system so I look forward to learning about it. I also know that the program only works if you work the program. So I've decided I will give it my full focus and dedication. I haven't decided whether I'll make my weigh-ins part of my blog or not. I'm leaning toward including it on a panel on the side. We'll see.

I admit I'm excited about starting a "new" program. And I'm hoping the enthusiasm will remain. As a side note J has offered to give me money toward new clothes when I reach my goal. I know it may sound vain but this is a pretty darn good incentive for me.

Bubble Issues and Meeting In-laws

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop...


5.) Describe what it was like meeting your in-laws for the first time?


Ok so this one was really easy...but I must first preface this by saying at the time my husband and I started dating I still had pretty major bubble issues thanks to my ex husband. I was not really comfortable with people being in my space until I said it was OK. Keep that in your mind as you read this tale...


J and I started dating in February. He met my parents in April on Easter Sunday. So we planned a trip for August over his birthday to visit his family. We arrived at his sister T's house. And I met T, her husband J, and my J's other sister M. All of them gave big huge hugs from the get go. Hi this is Meg...{BIG HUG and KISS on the cheek}...an my girlfriend. Now I will say to this day I still adore T and she and I get along great. But I was a bit overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection. 


Then we left there and went to his parent's house. I didn't even get in the door before I got the BIG HUG and KISS on the cheek. On the outside I smiled through all this because until I told them a year later they didn't know how uncomfortable I was. J's sister T smacked him and said he should have told them so I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. No harm done. I love my in-laws and they are wonderful people.


So  I encourage you to head over to Mama Kat's and check out the other stories and even link up.

Book Review: I Got This by Jennifer Hudson

Source

I read a lot, magazines, online, and books. Usually a book takes me about three to four days sometimes even up to a week. But last week I bought Jennifer Hudson's "I Got This" book and I finished it in a couple days. It was great! I loved reading about her journey to fame, her faith, her family, and her success at weight loss with Weight Watchers.

The way she wrote it felt more like a good conversation with a friend than a book. I felt like she just puts it out there and you can take or leave it. Throughout the book when someone would tell her something (mainly her Mom) she would respond "whatever" and of course the person was usually right.

Overall I thought it was a well written, enjoyable book that is definitely worth the read whether you're a Jennifer Hudson fan, a Weight Watchers fan, or just someone looking for a good book.

Whatcha been reading lately?

P.S. This book inspired me to watch Dreamgirls which happened to be on demand...that was a good movie too!

Fear

So right now I'm blessed and I get to talk to my husband on the phone almost daily. At some point we will go back to email only conversation but for now I will enjoy person to person. And we've had some pretty interesting conversations.

One of late has been about fears. I knew I had fears about the "what ifs" of him being in dangerous situations what I didn't realize is that he does too. And I asked him to "unpack" it a bit for me. He said in the past he'd gone into dangerous situations that he hadn't really worried too much about whether he got home or not because there wasn't anyone to come home too. (He's wrong...he has a very large family that would have missed him horribly) Now though he has me and he says now when he goes into dangerous situations he worries about making it through to come home to me. At first this concerned me because he's always had the "I'm Captain America and I'm unstopable" attitude. But the more I thought about it the more I determined that having a little fear is a good thing. I think it keeps him humble and focused. And I think he stays on top of the people under him to make sure they are trained well too. As it says above...[Courage is realizing something else is more important than Fear...]

He has often told me that he loves his job (most days) because it isn't all about him there is a bigger purpose and cause at play. And in his mind he fights in other parts of the world so that we don't have to fight at home. I'm proud of what he and his fellow sailors do and the sacrifices they make. (as well as what all the branches do and the sacrifices they make)

Are there times when your spouse surprises you or shares something you didn't know?

MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #69

1. What is your favorite/most unique anniversary/birthday gift from your spouse? suggested by Bel at Being a Better Me

This will sound strange but one of my favorite gifts from my husband was the set of towels on our registry. He sent them to me for our second wedding anniversary (cotton). The reason they are special to me is because of why he sent them. About a month or so before our anniversary I received a big box from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. When I opened it, it was all of the towels we had registered for on our registry. I was so excited because our towels were getting a bit old looking and I loved these towels. Well I read the card and they were from Aunt So&So. I didn't think anything of it because J has a LOT of aunts and uncles on his mother's side she is one of 10 children. Well then I get a call from Bed, Bath, and Beyond telling me that there was a mistake and that a couple with our same names had an aunt who mistakenly ordered off our registry. So I had to give them back. I will admit I was disappointed. I told J the story and he felt bad so he gave me the entire set for our anniversary with a note that said..."this time you get to keep them because they are just for you. Happy Anniversary Baby." So although they may not be the most romantic gift to some they were very sweet to me. 

2. What’s your first thought when you see it’s snowing (or what would you say if you don’t live somewhere with snow? suggested by Poekitten from Many Waters
Snow lots so I don't have to go anywhere and I can stay home and play with the puppies.

3. What’s one thing in the past month you would have changed?  suggested by Erika from Chambanachik
My dear friend and co-worker had his leukemia come back in February after 6 months of being in remission so I would definitely change that and have him healthy. 

4. What was your favorite thing that happened in February? 
Getting to talk to my husband a lot on the phone because of his schedule. It always makes deployment easier when you get to talk to them.

5. What are you looking forward to in March?
Hmm March brings my first 8K, and although that's a mixed blessing because I want to do it I'm also a bit nervous about it.

Now take a moment head on over to Wife of a Sailor and link up!