Reasons why I would like this week, heck month to be over.

1. Graham is gone (not being able to sleep!)

2. I'm sick- coughing, sore throat, runny nose, the works

3. Coworker accuses me of being a bad doggy parent

4. Feeling like a bad doggy parent, no matter which way I do things

5. Crying at a friend's house
6. Friend has personal issues that emotionally affect me
7. Doctor is insensitive with comments
8.Struggling with getting some military things figured out and waiting ridiculous amounts of time
9. Only receiving a two day paycheck
10. Crying at work (in the bathroom, but nonetheless, my red watery eyes were a total giveaway)
11. Having to talk to my boss about my personal life and hearing her try to praise me, because she wants to make me feel better, but knowing she's doing it out of sympathy
12. Cat breaks laptop charger (I think by licking the magnetic attachment)
13. Refrigerator light bulb goes out
14. Pink eye
15. Not being able to go to church, because of pink eye
16. Dog eats pink eye eyedrops
17. Birds tear open trash bag in back of truck
18. Figuring out winterizing the truck is going to be 3x the price I thought it would be

and the positives, because I believe in trying to find some light in my life right now.

1. Hanging out at Capt. J and Mrs. K's place and making new friends
2. Having a few friends over for some games
3. Being able to commiserate with friends (some all night) on the phone about how terrible things are going
4. Holding and cuddling babies
5. Girl talk and taking doggies to the dog park
6. Calling in sick to get stuff done :-)
7. Actually getting some stuff done

on the to do list.
1. military paperwork
2. winterize the truck
3. fix gym membership, cell phone, and internet plan
4. get healthy
5. order a new laptop charger

What a week!

I'm ready for girl's night!

the space heater is my new best friend

The kids pulling a fast one.

  

      It's been a lonely weekend since Graham left late Thursday for Ranger school. I never cry when I say goodbyes, maybe it's the military kid in me, but I straight up bawled driving home from the airport. Two months until we see each other just seems too long. How did we ever do this in the first place? I moved into the 'guest bedroom' with a futon that doesn't seem as empty as the king sized bed.

      Friday night I settled in with a movie (The Greatest- wonderful movie about grief) and let Lucy and Finn in the room as well. In the time it took for me to make popcorn (3 min and 20 sec) Lucy had urinated on the duvet, comforter, and futon. She hasn't had an accident in weeks, why did it have to be on the bed?! She's been crazy lately... I can't wait till her immunizations are complete and I can take her to the dog park!

      Saturday, I decided to be proactive, drove to Walmart, popped the hood open on the truck, took out the manual and changed the headlight. I am so very proud of myself, considering Graham and I have both been avoiding the issue like the bubonic plague. I have a sneaking suspicion the man I have a kitty and puppy with, is not very handy with trucks or general fix- know- how. My dad is a great guy and although he is a bit of a pack rat and sometimes forgetful, he always knew how to fix whatever needed fixing. Light bulbs, doors, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, and of course- our vehicles. I will admit to calling him on various occasions for help (that's what dads are for) and groaning when he insisted I change my own oil. Today, I'll gladly fork twenty bucks over to not change my oil, but I'll always appreciate my dad's do-it-yourself attitude (even if he did check a book out from the library about karate, when I asked for lessons).

      I have also been making cookies, and over indulging in hot cocoa, split pea soup (much more appetizing than it sounds, I discovered), ice cream, and blogs. Like I said, it's been a lonely week! And a cold one at that. The space heater is firmly situated at the foot of the futon and a freshly cleaned duvet has been put to full use. It's been snowing off and on and I don't think I'll have to dream too hard for a white Christmas.

Lucy's first snow :-)

three years ago

I met and fell in love with my best friend. Here's our (short and sweet!) story:

My junior year and his senior year (first semester) we studied abroad in Russia. He was the tall, cute boy who sat next to me on the long flight from our orientation in DC. The next couple weeks we were fast friends who shared a lot in common. Our like turned to love, and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye. Writing thoughtful letters helped the time pass and that summer we met in NY and flew to Ireland. A few weeks later I went back to school and he was deployed. Now, after a couple trips back and forth, I am in Alaska and I feel so lucky, to be with such an amazing and sweet individual. 

Graham, I love you.