Deployment Murphy Style

My "Guard" Dogs...

So last night was fairly typical. I went out with a girl friend of mine to see Expendables 2 and was home before 11:00 pm. My cat got out when I got home but I was able to get him back in before I went to bed. All was normal when the dogs and I went to bed. I set the alarm and we went to sleep. Around 1:00 am my alarm started going off like the system had been breached. I go downstairs to check things out because the front door hadn't made noise but the system was saying it was the front door. The sensor is off the door I clip it back on. So I call the company and tell them it is a false alarm. We go back up to bed. We get settled and about 15 minutes later it goes off again. So I go down and the sensor is off the door again. Now I'm getting paranoid that someone is messing with the door causing it to come off. So I call the non-emergency line for the police. They come out and check around the outside of the house and see nothing. So we go back to bed. The alarm goes off again. This one was my fault because I forgot to set the motion detector part right. So needless to say it was a bit of a rough night in our household. Then when I let the dogs out this morning the cat snuck out again and as off the time I had to come to work he was still out.

The second kicker...the alarm company wants to come check the system because although it's working it seems to be having issues. I need to schedule an appointment for them to come out. However, I can't because I'm not on the account so J needs to call. I explain he can't call but I have a POA. They have to have me fax it to them and it will take 7-10 business days to get me in the system and then I can schedule it. I'm going to see if there is a chance that J can call them or email them but it's looking like a long process to me.

The picture above is my dogs after we went back to bed after the third time of the alarm going off. I couldn't sleep but they had no problem. Way to guard guys, way to guard.

Being Military=Being Flexible & Patient

aka...why we are a bit insane at our house right now...

J is supposed to report to Japan the beginning of July. (Isn't that nice.) Before he goes to a boat he has to go to refresher school on his rate so he can do his job. Well that class is supposed to finish around the holiday weekend...problem that is the start of a long weekend and the class may or may not finish. So he may go into the week after that to finish and then have a later departure date or they may finish the class early and have him go on time. We do not know and probably won't until closer to the end of the month.

Since he was given this assignment he has changed ships three times and we think we have the final one. But with all things military nothing is final until the moment it is final. So we wait...to find out his ship and his departure date. And  we learn lessons in patience and flexibility.

Under the Weather

No not me my babies puppies. While we were on vacation we boarded Eva and Ares at our vet. We've done this before no problems. We go to pick them up on Monday and they are not themselves. We get them home and get a closer look...both of them have lost enough weight that you can see their ribs which you couldn't before. (they weren't overweight) They are sneezy and have runny noses. Neither of them are too active. They aren't even messing with each other. (very very unusual) So I call the vet...they think they may have picked up a bug from a sick dog that was brought in. And since they were stressed by being boarded they were more easily exposed.

J is furious saying we will never board them again that we will take them everywhere we go. Not very practical. I'm leaning toward our neighbor the pet sitter (once we get our fence up). But I was surprised because we've never had a problem. And I guess I figure the vet is one place they shouldn't have an issue. Then my practical side kicks in and realizes that a vet office is like a people doctor's office...germs come in and get spread around.

So what about you...do you take your pets with you? Do you board them? Do you hire a pet sitter?

Sometimes what you need is a good swift kick

So I've decided once again that God works in mysterious ways. I've always known this but sometimes I forget. And sometimes God wants us to leave our comfort zones for something better. I for one am reluctant. I don't like change in the big sense. I'm good with it in small does (although as I get older I'm finding that I'm not as fond of change) because change is inevitable.

I have been in a rut of sorts in one aspect of my life. I stay because it works. I stay because I'm comfortable in my rut. I've decorated it (it even has accent pillows). I know where everything is. I know how everything works. I know how to play the game. So I remain in my rut. But recently something has occurred that is pushing me out of my rut. A trusted place has become not so safe so I'm looking at other avenues. I feel that God will lead me where I'm supposed to go when I'm supposed to go there. God has always done this when I listened.

Now what to do when I get out of my rut...the options are plentiful. When I find out where I'm headed I'll share it with you.

In the mean time...I will close with my favorite quote...

"Sometimes you have to leap and build your wings on the way down." This was the quote I had on my dating page when I met my husband. He quoted it to me on our first date. It has been a good mantra.

Back to working out

So this morning after a couple weeks of not working out I had one of the best workouts I've had in years. Partially due to some pent up frustration about work (another story for another day) and partially due to hitting my stride. I loved it. It felt great!

Food wise I'm doing better but not great. Due to a four day power outage we ate out a lot the end of last week and all of the weekend. But this week I've been trying to get back on track with food. We need to go to the store to replenish food we threw away during the storm. But life moves forward.

Now we just need to find a good chimney and roof company in our area.

Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

The part of this verse that has been striking a cord with me a lot lately is "it keeps no record of wrongs." I am a firm believer in the philosophy of forgive...but hold onto it forever. I am working on this. I know it is not healthy. I know that you haven't really forgiven if you keep the record of wrongs. When J and I went through our "pre-marital" counseling recently our wonderful Pastor had us read this passage and focused in particular on the part about letting go and not keeping a record of wrongs. But he told us that God played a horrible trick on us women because he gave us an amazing memory. So we have the ability to remember the wrongs but the grace to let them go.

I think God forgot to give me the grace to let them go. Currently we are dealing with an issue with an acquaintance who shall be referred to as S from here on out. S has a tendency to call when something is needed. And has on more than one occasion made the situation seem like S wants to come spend time with us...but while I'm there can you do? or can I use? or can I...? or can you...? It is tough because I'm not sure S is aware of this behavior but it is causing a wedge. J and I think we should talk to S about this but we're not sure it would do any good. But in communication it is always important to communicate your feelings even if the other side doesn't hear them at least you have done what you could. But S has a tendency to take things a bit personally so we don't want to make it feel like an attack. And we are trying to let go of the past things but at the same time we don't want to be doormats either.

So we're praying about this situation and how to deal with it. And in the meantime we are trying to forget...as well as forgive....

Neglectful sort of...

I've been a bit neglectful of my blog of late. Part of it is a crazy schedule thanks to work. And part of it has been some of the stuff going on and not going on in my life of late that I've been trying to wrap my head around enough to blog about it. So here it is possibly disjointed...definitely unfiltered...and completely honest. So be warned...Megan...Raw.

Diet...Exercise...I haven't been doing so well at this the past few weeks. I completely forgot to log on to Scale Junkie this week mainly because I didn't do my weekly update. I haven't been to WW in a few weeks mainly because of schedules but really because I'm lacking motivation. This week I did go to the commissary and restock so I have good, healthy food in my house. I'm doing better. But due to some stress eating I ate a whole box of coconut clusters. I emotionally eat chocolate like J smokes cigarettes...is there such a thing as chain eating? As far as exercise I haven't been able to work out due to my knee but I've gone to physical therapy. But I feel like it is a rip off to pay $25 a session to do exercises I could easily do at home. So I'm going to talk to my Orthopedic Surgeon about that. And suggest a gym membership instead. We'll see. It is frustrating to me that I have lost my motivation...but I'm working on it to get it back.

Work...work has kept me busy. It usually does but this week has brought many frustrations due to lack of knowledge on my part. I used to be really good a few programs/things. Now I'm OK at a number of things...I'm dull on my skills. I want to get better. I'm looking into classes for InDesign, Photoshop, etc. I used to know Quark and Pagemaker well but InDesign is the current standard. Besides a Covey would say it is good to sharpen your saw.

Church...we joined the church the beginning of August in a combined service which both of us determined was not our cup of Joe. But due to other conflicts we haven't made it to our church the past two weeks. We miss it. We miss hearing Pastor Carl. He rocks as a preacher.

Home...J is up for a new assignment come March of next year. The options aren't looking so great. One of the best to give you an idea is a solo tour to Japan for three years. It means more money. But money can't buy everything. And it would mean three years apart and probably only seeing each other once a year. Which would suck...a lot. So we have some decisions ahead of us that could take a bit of prayer and cause some stress. Also we are headed to his family reunion the end of this month which if he does this will be even more important so he can see his family before he goes.

Wedding...J and I have been together for about a year and a half. We love each other dearly. We know we want to get married. We are not engaged. But we wrestle with the best way to do our wedding. With his family, my family, and our friends we're looking at around 150 people roughly. And I've got this down to bare bones. He has seven brothers and sisters and most of them have spouses and/or children. So right there we have close to 50 people. So if you have ideas, suggestions, etc. Think intimate, informal, fun, etc. wedding.

Up in the Air...aka...life military style

You gotta love the military. It keeps life fun and exciting. And you are always on your toes. Now is no exception...there are a number of things up in the air for us right now.

First...J is up for Chief again. And they post the results normally around the end of July/ beginning of August. It is a bit of a stressful time because it is a big promotion for him and it includes some nice benefits including a pay increase. Last year we had things up in the air for a while because of him being up for it and he didn't get it. He was disappointed but it worked out well because we got to spend time with his family and I got to meet them. This year we are planning on going to his family reunion the end of August/beginning of September but if he makes Chief those plans go out the window. It is sort of bitter sweet...we want him to make Chief but we have some cool plans for the Family Reunion. Ultimately my prayer is for Chief. But that is in the board and God's hands now. So say a prayer, light a candle, cross your fingers, do whatever you do...keep positive thoughts that J makes Chief. And I'll let you know.

Second...in March J will move to a new assignment. He is done with shore duty...which has made life very nice for us. And he has to pick a new assignment...the options aren't plentiful so right now we are looking at an overseas assignment for a year, a European assignment for three years, or an East Coast assignment for three years. His plan right now is that overseas and Europe would be unaccompanied. And a year I can handle...I'm not so sure about three with a visit every six months but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. It may be that none of them pan out. So we sit and wait. Gotta love the military.

The joys of Churchy and Her Sailor :-)

Weight Watcher Weigh-In Week 10

So blogging keeps you honest. And checking in keeps you focused. I went to the early meeting this week. Our regular leader was out so we had a substitute. I liked her a lot and I liked going to the 8:00 meeting because then I had the rest of the day. My results on the scale weren't so good. But I admit I'm not surprised. Last week was a rough week food wise. I worked late a lot and had a stressful week and I did what I do best...stress eat. And it caught up with me. But that is OK. I will work on it more this week. And weight loss is a journey. There are ups and downs. I plan on going back and rereading my materials from earlier weeks to help me restart. And I also know part of the weight could be related to girl issues. But I think the food is more likely.

Weigh-In
Weigh-in: +2.4
Total: -7.2

I admit it is only 2 lbs. It is not a big deal. It can be lost again. And I am learning what things work and what things don't. That is important. And I know I will never be perfect about it but that is the reality of my life. Perfection is impossible.

This week I'm going to add activity. I've been trying to do that for a while but it hasn't worked. Mainly I haven't made it a priority. This week I'm going to try and get a 30 minute workout in three times. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm also trying the Berry Weight Watchers smoothie. It is their summer flavor. I'll let you know how it is.

On the journey.

Meeting Topic: Breakfast

Your Mom was right...breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gets you going and more importantly it gets your metabolism going. So here is how the session went...

Excuses
The most common excuse was lack of time. Here is a list of ideas in 5 minutes or less.

• smoothies (WW of course)...lovin' the WW Berry Smoothie...very summery
• oatmeal w/fruit
• wraps
• fiber cereal with milk
• yogurt
• waffle
• pb, nutella, banana wrap
• string cheese
• hard boiled eggs (made ahead or bought)
• whole wheat muffin with egg & cheese
  

~~Preparation makes a difference. ~~

Ideas (from fellow members)

• cereal
• cheese toast
• eggs, turkey bacon, 1/2 bagel
• egg mcmuffin
• WW oatmeal
• ham & cheese egg roll
• cheese tortilla
• already cooked bacon
• pancakes
  
• waffles
  

Variety

Make sure you change it up. Your body gets used to food...you get bored...that can lead to disaster.

Filling Foods

Go for filling foods they stay with you longer.

• grits
• oatmeal
• eggs
• cream of wheat (for me this goes fast...crazy fast)

Fuel Up

Just like you wouldn't go on a long trip without filling the gas tank of your car you shouldn't go on your "long trip" without filling up your tank. You need food to have energy. Food is good.

Sharing Favorites

The leader gave us a recipe for a "baggie omelet" you put your omelet ingredients in a freezer bag and put it in boiling water for 13 minutes until cooked. She said it was good for a camping trip and/or on the go. (I myself think this seems like more work than doing it in a pan or the microwave but that is just me.)

So eat your breakfast. It is good for you. And Mom was right.

Easter is a coming...

I work in a church. I love my job because I have great co-workers and most of the time it is fairly calm place to work. (If you like organized chaos) But this time of year there is a crunch...Easter is coming and that means 3 Palm Sunday services, 1 Maundy Thursday service, 1 Good Friday service, 1 Sunrise Service, and 3 Easter services. So 5 bulletins between now and next Sunday. And my boss asks me yesterday if I have any plans on Easter Sunday because he'd like me to be here to help with a video. Now I don't mind because it is part of my job and he is amazing about giving us time off when we work above and beyond but I was looking forward to going to my church for Easter. The joys of church work...

Another issue I'm facing is I'm stressing and stressing for me means stress eating...and I'm not picky. I prefer sweet to salty but other than that if it's edible I'll eat it. Lately I've been going for full chocolate but later I may go for a cookie or a donut. And the other night I ate a whole bag of Cool Ranch Doritos...it was at least the snack size so that was good. But I need to get it under control. So after Easter...back to Weight Watchers I go.