Happy Thanksgiving!!

Source

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Trader Joe's Yumminess

Source

If you know me it is no secret I love Trader Joe's. When they first opened I didn't understand all the hype until I went and tried a few items then I loved it. The other day I really wanted grilled cheese and soup for dinner so I decided to pick up the items I needed. First I should say I'm not a huge tomato soup fan I find it pretty bland. So I decided to change it up a bit. I bought TJ's Creamy Tomato soup, TJ's Pesto Tortellini, and TJ's fresh Parmesan cheese, TJ's Tuscan bread, TJ's Smoked Gouda, and TJ's Muenster Cheese.

For the sandwich it's pretty easy...

Make a cheese sandwich and butter the outsides of the bread, grill until golden brown. And enjoy! (I used one slice of bread cut in half for my sandwich, my hubby used two slices of bread.) You could add bacon if you're so inclined.

For the soup...

Pour the creamy tomato in the pan and let warm up. Pour the thawed (they come thawed but you can freeze them) tortellini in the soup, put about a tablespoon of Italian Seasoning in the soup, and about 1/4 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently. Keep the heat around medium so it gets warm but doesn't burn.When the tortellini get soft (about 10 minutes or so) scoop into bowl sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese to garnish.

Enjoy the warmth and gooeyness!  

Remember to Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

Source

If you've ever traveled on an airplane you've received the speech about safety in the event of an emergency. If you haven't here's the Cliffnote version...in the event that the cabin's air supply should become compromised oxygen masks will drop from above over your seat. You need to give it a firm tug and place the elastic around your head and the mask securely over your nose and mouth. Proceed to breath normally. (umm sure that will happen) They also emphasize that if you are traveling with a small child or someone who would need assistance to make sure you put your mask on first and then help them. The first time I heard this speech I thought well that seems a bit selfish...then I realized...if you can't breath and pass out you can't help others. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.

SMACK RIGHT IN THE FACE...

Umm so here's where the true confessions come in...I am HORRIBLE at self care. I don't just mean kinda sorta bad but horrible. I can take care of everyone else. I am the eternal cheerleader and cheer-upper to others but not to myself. I really realized this in 2012 when J was gone to Japan, two dear friends died two months apart, and my dear co-worker who I share office coverage with was out on and off for the better part of 6 months due to illness, her husband dying, injury, and oh yeah illness again. The poor woman couldn't catch a break. So I was covering everything at home, taking on lots of extra work at work, helping a dear friend go through a horrible break-up from a complete and total jerk the love of her life for the third time, and really ignoring myself. 

I'm not complaining. I made my choices and I lived with them. I enjoy helping others, I enjoy taking care of others, I enjoy filling in as needed, I really do so for me it wasn't like I was miserable. Or so I thought...here's where the rubber hits the road for me...in hindsight I realized I was so busy helping others that my life, my health, and my sanity were spiraling downward. My house was a disaster and I mean a disaster as in it is amazing that I didn't end up hurt or something from my house, I gained weight, at night after work I'd stop by a fast food restaurant and get dinner, then go home and sit in front of the TV with the dogs, go up to bed, and start the cycle over. 

Since January of this year I have been working very hard at taking better care of myself. I joined a gym, I started meal planning, I got back to beading and sewing, and I've been trying to take time away from work for myself. Wow even as I type that I laugh because with the grand opening of our new addition I've been working more and not doing a great job of taking time off. But I will say this...my house is mostly clean, I've been trying to stay on track with meal planning, and I've been trying to get to the gym. But I think my most important thing for 2013 has been that I'm aware of my needs and taking care of myself in the midst of the chaos. I take time to get my hair done, get a manicure, soak in the hot tub, etc to relax and refresh. It makes my day/week better when I do.

So take time to take care of you before you take care of others. Because if you are worn out and tired it is hard to take care of others. Especially as we enter the hectic holiday season it is important to focus on yourself some too. 

Pretty Girl and Bub...my new venture

My banner from my Etsy Shop

So I did it...I took the leap I've been wanting to take for years and started my own business. For now it will be part time as I am still working in a very busy but rewarding job that I love. I am making purses, totes, baby toys, pet accessories, and jewelry that I will be selling online at Etsy, in person to friends and family, and eventually at craft shows. I've made a few things and have a few things stocked in my store. Here are some examples of my work...some are for sale and some were gifts. Please take a moment to check out my website, my Etsy store, and my Facebook.

A beaded Focal Centerpiece using Dutch Spiral

Turquoise earrings on copper wire

The Lucy Tote by AliFoster in a lovely black and white dot print

The Envelope Clutch by Noodlehead in a fun grey, white, and aqua print

The Diaper Bag by Craft Apple in a Marvel Super Heros Print

The Sidekick Tote by Noodlehead in a Alexander Henry Print

Life After the Navy

My Hubby enjoying the freedom retirement brings!

Navy life had its ups and downs but it had a sense of normality for my husband and myself. As we have been transitioning out of active duty Navy life into the world of retirement there are some things that are the same...the process of getting an ID card is about the same, we have access to the base and all its perks, we still get many of the same discounts at places, my husband was recognized on Veteran's Day, and we still live a similar life. However, for my husband it is all new...in 20 years he hasn't had to apply for a job, he hasn't had to write a resume, he hasn't had to figure out what to wear to work, he hasn't had as many options, and now he has lots of things he's having to do for the first time. It has been an interesting process for him. I on the other hand have really had to do a lot of sitting back and watching. I mean I can give him resume advice, I can help him with job searches, etc but I can't really relate to what he's going through. I've worked at my job for 14 years now so I can relate to doing something for a number of years but I can't relate to having to start over. 

The good news is there are a number of resources out there. The other good news is that many companies look at military service very highly. And his military skills, training, and experience transfer over to the civilian world pretty well. I mean some things don't of course but many of his experiences in the military relate to the civilian world. I'm relieved he is no longer in the Navy...I am very proud of the years of service he gave and the amazing things he did for his country but I'm happy to know I won't have to deal with deployments, training exercises, or duty days again. Most of all I'm relieved I don't have to worry about a knock on my door with two men in uniform at my door.

For all of you with spouses who are still serving in active duty THANK YOU!!! You are amazing people for what you do. Your spouse could not do what he or she does without your love and support and the security of knowing you are keeping the home steady and strong while they are gone. I applaud you and I wish you the best in your continued journey!!