A Day of Love

To be honest, ever since I was in grade school, Valentine's Day was always a day that left a knot in my stomach. We were required to give a Valentine to each student in the class, so it was never a surprise when I had a bag full of goodies at the end of the day. The sad part about it though, it was never more than a generic "happy valentine's" or something of that nature. I always longed to open one that was a confession of a handsome boy's love, but never managed to get one of those.

You see, I was an odd duckling in grade school. I never knew what to do with my hair, I never knew the right thing to say. Now don't get me wrong, I had friends. I actually had a great group of friends, but I was far from the popular crowd. But as much as I envied them every now and then, I never wanted to be them. No, I didn't want to be the girl lying to her parents to sneak out with a boy way to old for her, I didn't even like the notion of smoking stinky cigarettes. Maybe that's why I wasn't cool enough for a true Valentine on this "day of love."

Anyways, fast forward about fifteen or so years and here I am. Married to an amazing man (who on most days seems like a absolute dream). Last Valentine's was a bit shaky but we didn't manage to spend it together (if that is what you want to call it). This year I had no preconceived intentions or plans. I have learned to let silly holidays like this go, honestly, it is just another day. Why should we feel forced to show our love on one day? I woke up to the pup in the bed and hubby right along with him, both waiting to give me morning kisses. Hubby had already let puppy out and fed him. I was showered with gifts the night before. Proactive (what?! I asked for it! lol..I had a freak out moment when a zit appeared on my face for the first time in a long time) and a Victoria Secret gift card load with cash (o I do love their panties!!)

That was more than enough to make me happy. We went to our fav soup place for lunch and headed back home to get comfy and cuddle up and watch movies all day. Goodfellas was on so I opted for that (what, who needs mushy love movies?). After the movie was over, hubby jumped up and said "I have one more thing" and pulled something out from the entertainment center. I thought to myself "o, that's what I get for not cleaning yesterday!!" lol. It was a handmade coupon book. Before I even opened it, I lost control and broke into tears, something that hardly ever happens with me. He looked confused, until I mumbled I love you, then he laughed and hugged me. After opening it I was greeted with day passes for a gas free house (thank goodness!), a massage (no molesting involved unless I wanted it), and many other great gifts. This was all I needed. Knowing that he took a couple extra minutes and made this by hand made me feel like I was the luckiest woman alive.

Ah! I love that man. Anyways, let me know what you Valentine's Day was like, single or not!

Update Time

So, I guess it is update time. I have been trying to make a conscious effort to get on here and blog this week, so far so good. Anyways, things have been going pretty good on my end. I've only been in this area for about half a year and I already feel like I can call it home. I do miss my family and friends back home and every now and then, when I just want a frozen delight (daiquiri), I miss New Orleans. But then I think about all the great things that I have going here and I can deal.

This weekend was to be spent with girl-time shopping then going out, which we haven't done really since the Marine Corps ball. Then hubby was given news today that he will be flying out to aide those in Haiti. While I am grateful that he is staying in the U.S. for these efforts (sending planes back and forth with people/supplies/medics/etc), I wish I didn't have to be without him. O well, I've done longer stints, so I can just put on my big girl panties and get over it!

Moving on, I am currently planning a trip in March to Vegas, which I am absolutely ecstatic about! A weekend trip to go snow boarding has been postponed since we discovered the nearest slope is about 9 1/2 hours away (just a bit too far for a weekend trip). Also, a cruise is in the works for the end of the year. I am ABSOLUTELY 100% excited about all of this! I have been working since I was young and have never gone on a real vacation as an adult (I don't include the two cruises I went on with my 'rents only because, hey let's been honest, I couldn't exactly enjoy myself fully).

That is the extent of the newer news I guess. I feel like my life is finally falling into place like I've always prayed for. A year ago today if you would have asked me where I would be I probably would have said "going through a nasty divorce, broke, an alcoholic with no friends or family." Now don't get my wrong, the only marital problems hubby and I had was distance. He is not the best communicator anyways, so add the distance and it was a nightmare. I felt at one point that he had given up, so why shouldn't I? I am grateful that for whatever reason, we both snapped back to reality at the same time and saved something that was worth saving.

Okay, enough of the gushy, mushy talk. It's Friday!!! I'm going to do a separate post with stuff to make you happy and giggle :) Have a great weekend you guys! I'll make sure to take pictures of the weekend fun and post the non-incriminating ones! hehe

Life After You...

Everyday it becomes more and more obvious that I would not be able to deal with everyday life without my hubby. Although we have had our rocky moments and sometimes I want to punch him, he is the all around best.

The Pain of Love

As my previous blog mentioned, I have been attending the gym pretty regularly. I didn't really push myself too hard, because, let's be honest, I get very irritated very quickly & don't want to quit going. Last night was the first time I consented to letting Robert go with me (he usually goes during the day at chow or some other time OTHER than when I go). I figured I needed a little push and being in the Marines and helping out managing "the fat bodies", he'd be the one to do it.

Well, let's just say, I had no idea what I was in for. It started out pretty average. Put our stuff in the locker, got a few stares by different people (mostly women who I know were thinking "aww look how cute, they work out together" and the guys probably thinking "sucks to be him" lol) and hit the machines. The workout was to be pretty much limited to shoulders (I'm still having problems with my shoulder from the car accident forever ago) and abs (yes I still have some of those! lol)

Anyways, I don't want to go into great detail about my workout session, but let's just say I am insanely sore. While doing one ab workout (some crazy machine that you lay on the bench, grab a medicine ball, stretch all the way back, sit up, toss the ball, grab another and repeat a million times) I felt as though I was going to throw up, which I then stated. Robert's response was not too sympathetic. I got a "just throw up then, let it go, then keep going." wow, I began feeling sorry for the Marines he PTs everyday. poor things. It did make me laugh though. He realized how silly he was being and we moved on. I did the ab coaster, which I had recently seen on tv. It looks pretty simple & I thought I'd hop on and do some insane amount of reps in no time. Yea, not so much. For an uncoordinated, weak person such as myself, it was pretty difficult.

The whole point of this story is, last night when I got home, I just wanted to shower and go to sleep. Luckily I had clued Robert into my not-so-motivated state & he whipped me into gear. I'm kind of sore today & I'm sure it will be worse tomorrow, but I'm glad I did it. More importantly, I'm glad I have such a great husband.