We are so close, yet so very far from escaping the tight grasp the military has had on our throats (how's that for gory truths?) and lately we've found ourselves daydreaming up our new lives post-navy.

We really aren't that far off, though.  After this deployment, we have less than a year until Jody is released.  Our hope is that Jody can put in an early out request, and try to snag away a few months ahead of time.  This isn't likely, so we don't have have our hearts set, but it's certainly an option.  Otherwise, we're on schedule for June of 2013.

There are, however, several adamant figures attempting to persuade Jody to re-enlist.  Aside from the obvious benefits -- job security, health insurance, etc. Jody is an asset to his boat and co workers.  It would be (will be) a shame for them to lose someone with whom they've spent so much time and money training.  He is a real leader, and has taken on many roles on the ship.  I can't describe his duties, because I don't get seventy five percent of what he does up there, but the guy works.  Hard.  He works long hours, loses out on entire nights of sleep, freezes his butt off standing watch and carries gigantic guns that weigh nearly as much as I do

I'm leading myself astray.  I'm proud of my husband and the hard work and loneliness he faces so bravely during deployments, but we've got to get him out.  We've got to get ourselves out.

I'm just about going crazy living in a city, the interstate system, the prices, the speed, the harshness -- the whole thing.  I've held on tight, and I've embraced what I could, but I've failed to understand why so much of our country chooses to live this way.

On Christmas day, Jody and I drove out to one of my favorite running trails and seated ourselves beside a tree stump to do some reading.  I brought one of my favorites, a book of essays by Barabara Kingsolver called Small Wonder.  In an exerpt from Knowing Our Place, Barbara describes how set apart our (my) generation has placed itself from nature.

"In the summer of 1996 human habitation on earth made a subtle, uncelebrated passage from being mostly rural to being mostly urban.  More than half of all humans now live in cities.  The natural habitat of our  species, then, officially, is steel, pavements, streetlights, architecture, and enterprise -- the hominid agenda...

...What we lose in our great human exodus from the land is a rooted sense, as deep and intangible as religious faith, of why we need to hold on to the wild and beautiful places that once surrounded us."

Beautifully written, no?  She's right.  I refuse to live my life in a place where my children are not able to run and play outside.  I want my kids to goof around in the dirt, if they please.  To find bugs, plant trees; to understand that the world does not revolve around them, or (gasp) even the entire human population.  God help me if my child ever turns into someone who complains about a 'grainy tomato' in December.
I hope for my children to grow up surrounded by a variety of species, the kind that don't care about mp3 players and jacked up trucks, let alone a failing economy and political system.  There is such a thing as simplicity anymore, but it seems that now we must create it for ourselves.

If Jody gets out in June, we've got our hearts set on hiking the Appalachian Trail in the spring of 2014.  We've been reading up on the five to six month trek that many have started but not nearly as many have completed.  We've watched documentaries, and have begun talking, eating, sleeping and dreaming in backpacker-la-la-land.

We're going to do it, too.  Just watch. 

The beauty of life right now?  There's nothing holding us back, and I couldn't give a hoot about being a grown up.

Go on a walk today, eat a vegetable that's actually in season, or hug a tree.  Yep, I said it.  Hug one.  And make sure you do it in front of someone, too.  And probably naked.  The naked-er the better.

And then smile and relax, because who cares?

A very Merry Christmas to you!

A bit lonely around these parts, and unusually warm, but we're enjoying our holiday together.  Last night we attended church with friends, ate a coffee table full of snacks for our holiday 'meal' and watched the Grinch while we played gin rummy.  

 Sore winner.

Sore loser.

This year, we opened our presents on Christmas Eve.  It wasn't the plan, but we were both restless, and I know I felt funny about not being back home.  A bit emotional, too.  But anyway, we opened presents together, and finished the night off with the A Christmas Carol with Jim Carey (a bit scary and weird for my taste) and went to bed.  

 Christma-birthday gift from mom and dad.  I think my face displays the pure ecstasy I felt when I saw that beautiful word 'kitchenAid'.  Mm.

 Oh yes, they did.

Jody in his carhartts, displaying the his new socks.  I got him the wrong kind.  Oops. 

I just can't win. 

Today, we drank mimosas and coffee with breakfast and have been reading fools all afternoon.  Dinner at a friends house, and then back to the grind tomorrow.  I have one more week of work before we start getting things together for the big move. 

Anyway, we love and miss you all!  The merriest of Christmas's!

Time Traveling

Oh, January.

A new year, my 21st, (it's about mother flippin time, don't you think!?) a move, and an absence.  Jody's.

All throughout September and October I wished my days away if only I could just get myself into November.  Jody would come home, we'd settle in again, and I'd have (somewhat of) a life.

For most of November, my belly butterflies slept as I savored hanging out with Jody and great friends.  We had a fabulous Thanksgiving, took a few weekend trips, and mostly just took it easy as Jody's work schedule really toned down for a few deserving weeks.

Now that December has come and is quickly moving on, those resting butterflies have once again began their fluttering in my belly.  It sucks.  I can feel myself tightening up, rolling my eyes and grabbing onto the wheels while I sucker punch my way through the better half of 2012.  I'm dreading the feeling of 'getting by' while Jody's away.  I hate people telling me to 'hang in there' or 'kill time'.  I don't want to do either of those.  No one should 'hang in' anywhere for a portion of their life.  Right?

Right.  Horrible, I tell ya!

I'm feeling antsy tonight, so I'm gathering pp's (hehe) for deployment.  Plus's and Positive's.

• I can not wait to reunite with my dear best friend.  I've missed her so much over last few years.  Casey is positively the most encouraging, intelligent, wise, fun, giving and beautiful girl I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Gushy stuff aside, I love that girl, and am glad I get to have her with me to 'get by' during those tricky months.
• Uh, sistuls!  Sistuls and Mothul(s) -- Now I have two!  I'm excited to reconnect with my own family, and to build a stronger relationship and friendships with my in laws, whom I've barely had time to spend with since marrying Jody.  
• Money Money Money!  Earn, earn, earn.  Save, save, save.  I'm going to be the cheapest person alive, because when I set my mind to it, I can be the cheapest person alive.  Seriously.  Most importantly, I'm ready for Jody and I to get started on removing ourselves from any sticky financial problems we've been dealing with, and building up our savings so we can move on securely, come June 2013.
• Babies!  My sweet friend Marissa (remember her wedding?) is expecting a pink little bundle in March, and she will also be moving back to Billings in January.  Ben and Marissa have been stationed in San Diego for the past year.  Marissa and I met right after Jody returned from his first deployment, and while Ben was still deployed.  We were both just girlfriends at the time, but as our friendships grew, we were lucky enough to go through long distance relationships, engagements, weddings, moves and accepting the new roles of being a military wife together.  Marissa was certainly a gift from God when I needed her, and I trust that God is placing each other back in Billings together again for a reason.  
• --Still more babies!  My sister in law, Reese is also expecting in March!  Baby Schuyler number four is on (her?) it's way and I am anxiously awaiting meeting another little one.  There are few things that make my heart happier than watching and being a part of those crazy little Schuyler boys' lives, and I'm so pleased that Matt and Reese are bringing another little blessing into the world.
• Road.  Trip.  Kayla + Pa Sky + Cross Country = Epic road trip, including but not limited to:  many potty breaks, hilarious music selections, weird food stops, funny smells, and lots of good advice.  Hopefully.  Yeah, hopefully.

I have to end pretty abruptly here, I just realized it's past 10:30.  Yikes.

I stayed up past 10:30 once.  It was about a year ago on New Years Eve.

Happy blogging!

Phew!

My party pants are wearing thin after the weekend, but as luck would have it, I was able to get today off to catch up on laundry, house cleaning

("Maybe you should not go into work and clean house full time." -J)

 and precious, but nowadays rare, treadmill time.


Also, I wasn't 'Able to get the day off'.  We blew a tire this weekend (typical) and discovered that we needed to get the rear two replaced (see ya later, paycheck!) ASAP.  Jody went underway today, and we had to get it taken are of this morning, so I skipped work at the warehouse to get er done.  I'm not fessing up.  I don't feel bad at all.  I don't.  Seriously.

Anyway, on Thursday evening, we (I) dressed up and attended the Arleigh Burke's annual Christmas Party out in VA Beach.  Since the party was in a fancy hotel, we were all given discounted rooms for the night.  You may now make your assumptions about the general conduct of this party.  It was...fun.  Ish.  The food was good, the drinks were free, and I met lots of faces that I'll never remember, but it was nice to shake the hand of the CheifOfficerCaptainWhatever's who all seem to be so important in the world.  Other than nearly vomiting in the speakers face during his 'deployment's going to be great' speech, the night went fine.  Can't say I'll sign up again for next year, though.

Since Jody and I both had to work on Friday, we left the hotel early in the morning and had a lazy Friday evening together.  On Saturday, we loaded up the car and drove out to meet some friend's at their cabin for the night.  It was a great time!  I can't quite remember where the cabin was located, but it was in a beautiful area.  Although there was no tv or internet, we were able to snuggle up and watch a movie, play some gin rummy, catch up on sleep and otherwise hole ourselves up for the evening.  On Sunday, we headed out on some hiking trails and took some pictures while exploring. 

Having a few drinks in the hotel room.  Notice his new Carharts?  Thanks, Ma and Pa Sky

Lovely Stephanie and Handsome Daniel accompanied us to the party and were our hosts at the cabin.

I swore they took a picture of us, too -- but somehow it didn't survive the night.  Not sure.

 Pretty water fall.  The dot up there is my husband.

Always the monkey.

The Mountains Win Again

To borrow the words of Blues Traveler,

The Mountains Win Again.

A quick but intense change of heart on my part plus Jody's truthful wishes and the makings of a scary looking budget have thrown us for a loop in the last few days.
There's not much to say about our decision.  I certainly have mixed emotions over packing up my new life over here and putting myself on hold, yet again, while Jody deploys, but I don't feel as if I'm making a mistake.  The more I think about going home, the more my heart longs for my sweet home.  My family, good friends, the simplicity of life back home, and oh -- the Mountains!  Always, always, the Mountains.

I've grown a great deal over the past year and a half.  I've changed, and I know that.  It's been hard on me, as I've never been one to mold into my surroundings well.  I know that I have somewhat caught on to the pace of life that is the city or the military, but I feel as if it has taken it's toll on me.

My place is in the quietness of the country, the satisfaction of a hobo burger over a campfire, and the simplicity of a life and a faith that I left behind in Montana.

Needless to say, I'm ready to go on my own adventure, as Jody described it the other day.  Now, instead of killing time in Virginia for six months, I'll be getting reacquainted with old friends, my great family, and all of the splendor that is Montana.  I will never take home for granted again.

Ever.

As Jody and I start getting ready to head out again, I really must express my gratefulness for the incredible friends and opportunities I've been blessed with while living in Hampton.  I've worked a billion jobs and met a trillion people.  I am so excited to be able to come back to Hampton after deployment and see how the lives of our friends have changed as well, and to continue those friendships we've built.

And that's that.

See you soon.

Turkey Day.

Slimy, pastey wet turkey...

+ yummy, tasty wet drinky

=

My first Thanksgiving Turkey.

And and epic nap.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love Shack

He's home!

Jody's return date did actually end up getting pushed back again, but I'm happy to report that Joint Warrior is now out of the way, and he's back at home with me.  Most excellent.

Unfortunately, meeting him at the pier wasn't all I had anticipated, but (again) that's quite typical with the Navy.  Because of fog, we were unable to even see the ship's return, and weren't let up onto the pier until they allowed some of the sailors to start leaving.  Lucky for me, Jody was one of the first I saw -- and my did he look handsome!  

Just sayin.

It was really fun picking him up, and getting to watch as my friends also reunited with their guys.  All in all, a very happy day followed by a very low-key, relaxed, lazy four day weekend.

On Friday, Jody and I headed up to this cabin to spend two whole days and nights alone with each other (alone with each other?  oxymoron?).  

The views were gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and the company was exactly what we needed.  I shot Jody's dear gun for the first time (thanks- but no thanks) and we spent hours and hours sitting on the front porch drinking coffee, beer, tea and hot cocoa.  In fact, I don't think I got up off of my chair for any reason other than to pee or refill on liquids on Saturday afternoon.  We made a pot of chili, listened to music, talked, smooched, laughed, played -- you get it.  

It was awesome.

Here are some highlights.

 Danielle, Ayden and I waiting in the parking lot for the guys.

 Stephanie and me.  Steph is the tallest girl I know.  I'm one of the shortest.  We take awkward photos.

This is what we could see of the ship.  Here, it's already docked or anchored or whatever the heck.  What I mean is...it's back.

The Love Shack.  Cute, isn't it?

 He only looks surprised.  Really he's just about to choke on that massive 'chaw' overwhelming that poor lip of his.  

I still love him.

 I think my old age is rubbing off on Jody.  Not a bed setup if you ask me.

Books, blankets, Boy.

Happy K.

This was taken after I told him I forgot to push record on his last set of shots.  Oops.

My boss is a 100 pound chain smoker who runs on diet coke and Honey-Do Lattes.

I'll call her Z.  Z never sits down and has a feisty attitude.  She's the first to shout out a That's What She Said and always wears those horrible Manager Goggles- the ones that see any and every little mistake or crumb left on the floor after closing, yet always miss out on the job well done's.  Yeah, those goggles.  I hate those goggles.

Anyway, I like her.  She's tiny and tough- two traits I quite approve of.
Although I don't know many details, I'm aware that she's been recently widowed.
Z has been really good about remembering that Jody is gone, and in working with my hours so I can spend more time with him before his next deployment.  As I was leaving work the other day, Z asked me if I was going to make a special sign to hold for Jody while I wait at the pier.
Of course I laughed and said Heck No!  I explained that I was just ready to see him.
I just want him home, I'm so tired of being alone, you know?

Right away, I realized what I had said, and quickly apologized, acknowledging that she does indeed know, she too is tired of being alone.  I felt horrible.  She nodded and brushed it off as best as she could, but I could see that she was hurting.  Although I know that she understood what I meant, I couldn't help but feel incredibly selfish and ungrateful as I left work that day.

As I walked back to my car, I should have thanked God that my husband is indeed coming home, that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel, that he's in no immediate danger, and that the Lord has even given him to me.  Too often I dwell on missing him, wondering why I got stuck with the absent husband, what in the world He was thinking when he decided to make me a military wife in Hampton, VA.  How lucky I am that I get to bake my man cookies on Sunday night, get dressed up Monday morning, and then head onto base to watch him pull back in.  Then I get to take him home with me.  How excited and good I feel knowing that he'll be sitting next to me in just one week!
I hope that in the future I am better able to display my true sense of peace towards the life that I am leading today, regardless of how often I hanker to gossip over life's inconveniences.

That night, my neighbor stopped me on my way into my apartment.  She asked me how I was doing, and told me that she'd been praying for me.  What a blessing!  As we chatted, we ended up reveling over the gorgeous sunsets and the beautiful fall colors surrounding us right now.  She confessed feeling unhappy about living in Hampton, and but concluded that God's beauty is everywhere- whether back in California where she's from, in Montana, or here in the city of Hampton, Virginia.
It's up to us to grab onto this short life that we have, and to move forward with intention.

Thinking this through tonight brought me back to one of my very favorite quotes.  It makes me smile and stand taller with every read.

'When I look at the galaxies on a clear night- when I look at the incredible brilliance of creation, and think that this is what God is like, then instead of feeling intimidated and diminished by it, I am enlarged...I rejoice that I am a part of it.'

-Madeleine L'Engle

I hate Halloween.  Ma Sky is going to roll her eyes while reading this because she knows exactly how I get about this kind of crap.  I'm still deciding if it's even worth making a list of reasons why I hate Halloween.  The whole freaking 'holiday' gives me the same feeling in my stomach as school picture day does- whatafreakingwasteoftimeandmoneyandenergy...I will not smile!  Take a look at my school photos for twelve years, trust me, I didn't.

One year, I dressed up as a skier.  I knew it even then; Halloween is a dumb joke, but I was going to get my candy's worth anyway.  I threw on a pair of Matt's old ski goggles, jumped into my snow pants and circled the neighborhood.  Twice.  Another year I was a dentist- scrubs, that's it.  Easy does it, I say.

You can imagine my attitude when my manager announced that we will all be participating in a Halloween-dress-up contest amongst all of the store locations.  I rolled my eyes at the meeting, and made it clear that I would NOT be a part of any Halloween shenanigans, whatsoever.  People giggled and agreed, and I thought that I had made myself clear;  I would not be scheduled for Halloween.

Wrong.  Only five of us were scheduled yesterday- me being one of them.  The group decided on a theme two days prior to, and I was told I would be 'The Bearded Lady'.  Yeah, sure- nofreakingway, but thanks.  After a chat with my manager about being a team player, I stormed into a Halloween store, took one look at the mile long waiting line for the checkout, and stormed right back out.  The day before the H-word, I found another store, snatched up a fuzzy black beard, wasted 4.99 plus tax dollars (a perfectly good double shot grande latte, mind you) and threw it in a pile of clothes laying on my floor.  (I should address the pile..my internal Kayla has taken over the house- it's a messy hue of clean and dirty clothes mixed with littered magazines, books and nail polishes- sorry Jody)

Yesterday morning, I defiantly decided that I could wear jeans to work, if I had to bring a beard.  I could, and I would.  So I did.  I brought the beard, wore my comfy jeans, and claimed Bah Humbug on the whole ordeal.  There was a mime, a fat old man, a gypsy, an elephant- and a girl in jeans with a beard hanging out of her pocket.

I think I made my point.  I win.

I haven't had much inspiration to write lately, so I apologize for the lack of posts.  My blogs are tending to get a bit mundane, as nothing too new or exciting is happening around here.  I have the afternoon off from work today, and a friend and I are going to load up ourselves, lattes, and a camera and take a drive to get a better look at the beautiful fall colors sprouting up all around this place.  I really love the fall here.  Summertime in Montana has always been my favorite season- the hikes, camping, backpacking trips, long, sweaty runs outside, and Lake Smelmo just can't be beat by a day up on the Mountain in the snow.  Sorry Ski Bums...I remain on the other side of the fence.

I choose Fall here.  This summer was insanely humid, and I spent most of it at the pool so I really enjoyed my long summer months.  On the other hand, walks outside were nearly miserable, and I can't imagine survival without having a pool within ten steps of me.  The weather right now is warm with a cool breeze.  It's just about 'beanie' weather and it feels good!

Subject change- I have exciting news!  Jody's return date has been rescheduled to Monday the seventh!  The original date was Friday, then it moved to Thursday- and now we're looking at an 'official' return on Monday.  I quote official because there is nothing official about his job- ever.  I've learned that.  My head remains level, and I am just excited to see a light at the end of the Joint Warrior Tunnel.  I can't wait to see my sweet husband again, and to start fresh after being away from each other for almost two months.  We've already booked a cabin together for that weekend, and celebrations are in order!

This year will be full of many 'firsts' for me as far as the Holidays go.  We will be staying in Virginia for Thanksgiving, Christmas and my birthday, as Jody leaves for deployment at the end of January.  Plans to come home a few weeks after my birthday may be put in order, but nothing is for sure yet.  Either way, Jody and I are going to attempt our own Thanksgiving meal together-for the heck of it- and then we are going to have a a post-thanksgiving dinner that Friday over at our friend's house.  I'm definitely looking forward to some yummy food and hanging out with great friends.  We also get to host one of my old friends (Washington Elementary, old) for Thanksgiving.  Levi is stationed in NC and is going to drive up to nab some brews and pumpkin pie and hang out with us for the day.  I'm always excited to see a friendly face around here, so I think we'll have a good time!  I also had a chance to hang out with an old high school buddy, as he got stuck in the Norfolk airport on his way to Afghanistan a few weekends ago.  Unfortunately, Jody didn't get to see him, but I was able to pick him and a friend up from their hotel and show them around Norfolk.  It was fun to watch their amazement at all of the different types of people here and the massive amounts of fast food restaurants.  I felt like an old-timer.

Speaking of Old Timer, I let the kids pick out a cd to listen to today on our way to school, and I can't explain their shock at hearing that I used to 'burn' cds and that I didn't grow up with an ipod.  They scoffed at the name 'Jars of Clay' and 'Matchbox 20' and giggled when they read 'Booty-Blastin'-Workout-Mix' (clever, right?).  They simply had no idea what to think of me, and then concluded that I was 'getting old'.  Yikes. Another first for me.

That's it for today, I'm headed out for my run.  After today, I will have run over 60 miles since Jody left!  It's really not too crazy of a number, but I'm keeping track and it makes me feel good.  Progress is progress, and that's that.

Happy Hump-Day!

The Freak from the North

Yesterday, my boss walked up to me, placed her arm on my left shoulder and said softly,

"Kayla, you are are hippie."

Then she walked away.  Conversation over.

The previous day, someone at work referred to me as a

"Caffeine-addicted rabbit" as I drank my third cup of coffee and confessed I have a major problem with lunch meat and coleslaw.

There's another frequent customer who seems to gravitate towards me during every visit and gives me funny looks and funny questions about Montana every time.  He seems very intrigued and curious about me and my great state, and I'm not quite sure what to do with him.

It's really funny how different life is on the East coast than in Montana.  Or, at least in Hampton. 
In Montana, everything is slow. 
We whine about sitting at a red light for five minutes.  Here, I've sat in traffic for hours. 
We get excited about a Sonic or Krispy Kreme opening up, and then don't give them enough business to keep running.  Here, there's a Sonic or Krispy Kreme on every corner!

I've liked experiencing both sides, though.  One day, I want to head west, further south, higher north, eastier-east, and wherever else the wind may blow me!  Us.  Wherever it may blow us.

Adventures to come June 14, 2013!  Heck yes.

Observations, Conclusions and Happenings.

Observations.

1.  Old people have very limited taste.  I've become an expert grocery shopper (self proclaimed, ahem) and I've noticed a trend.  Always, always their baskets are filled with one to all of the following:

-Velveeta cheese
-Juice
-Egg substitute
-Fiber laden goods
-White Bread.  Never fails.

And since this is all that they ever buy, this is all that they eat.  God help the old people.

2.  I've been running like a Kayla on Krack, but my jeans are only getting tighter and tighter.  Awesome.

(that's not code for I'm pregnant)  I'm very unpregnant, if you know what I mean.

3.  I have a real thing for sweet potato biscuits.

4.  I think I just concluded number two with number three.

5.  My little underage taste buds prefer a good beer over red wine nowadays. 
They always did say I aged backwards.

6.  Crap.  Another answer to number two.

7.  I no longer like my living room arrangement, and need a magical fairy to stop by tonight to switch it all back to the way that it was before I went on a lets-move-everything-around-until-I-pass-out-just-so-I-can-say-I-moved-furniture-without-Jody's-help-binge.  Binge- is that the word I'm looking for?  I don't think so, but you get the point.

Happenings.


Aubyn and Hans visited me this weekend!  These two are easy peasy to pleasey and happily slept on my couch/floor under old blankets and didn't have a single complaint.  It was fun having people in my home again, and we had a few nice chats, meals and adventures together.

Conclusion.

I like Aubyn and Hans.
 
We've made it half way through this deployment, and Jody will be returning home in just a few short weeks.  Four, I think.  Four down, four to go.
After I pick him up, we plan on stopping by the yarn shop so we can sit together in our classy clothes and drink tea while we work on our newest knitting projects and discuss world peace as we read The Wall Street Journal and catch up on our current events.

Ha!  Right...

I hope I just made everyone feel uncomfortable.


 I cooked with squash for the first time this afternoon, and came out triumphantly!  Cinnamon Apple Butternut Squash soup was made in two batches over at my friend Jessi's house, and I just ate the yummiest dinner that I've had since Jody left.

3.  What I mean is, I miss cooking.  For Jody. 

4.  What I mean mean is that I miss Jody.

5.  I have been tracking how often I fill up my gas tank in the past few weeks, and I've noticed a gross trend.  Twice a week.  Twice.  A.  Week.  So I'll be picking up a seven hundredth job to pay for that.

6. My job is well, my God is good, my life is content, my living room still sucks.

The end.
 

I Need Chocolate Bars.

Quick updates.

I'ts been busy.

It's been boring.

It's been emotional.

It's been apathetic.

It's been High.

It's been Low.

Jody left.

Jody came back.

Jody left again.

He'll probably come back.

...As is our life.  Clearly, I've been all over the place.  I'm working about 30 hours a week at my new job, and still taking the kids to school three mornings a week.  I've stayed busy during my free time hanging out with friends, running, and staying quite glued to the Word.  I'm in a women's devotional over facebook with some other women from all walks of life and marriage, doing the book The Power of a Praying Wife.  It's been keeping me accountable in my prayers and my thoughts for and towards Jody.  I'm working hard to accept that Jody is gone and will stay gone, often, for the next two years.  It's hard on us, no doubt, and the circumstance cannot be controlled- but something I am in control of is my prayer life towards Jody.  He has been gone for a little over a week now, and we have about six more weeks to go, give or take a few.
But I'm relaxed. 
I feel as if I'm tip toeing around, walking on eggshells in order not to erupt the volcano of emotions brewing in my heart.  That thing is boiling, and it's massive.  But if we keep quiet, and we don't let it know we're aware of it...Ah, yes;
We'll be fine.  I'll be fine.

Our internet has been down for about a week now, and I've made little effort to get it fixed after the initial first three days of being extremely irritated without my facebook and email fixes.  Instead, I've been reading.  Painting my toe nails.  Taking bubble baths.  Scrubbing down my kitchen.  Reading magazines.  Praying.  Writing.  Thinking. 

Maybe too much.

I'm trying to figure out what I need to do, who I need to be, in order to be...me.  Me, as in the person God made me to be.  Kayla, at her best.  Here's what I've figured:
In my life, I need

-Guidance.  God didn't make me a natural leader, even though I feel myself stepping up more and more every day.  I've always longed to be led, and to do the right thing.  I want assurance that I'm doing the right thing, and I need guidance from my friends, family, husband, and the Lord.
-Exercise.  I rarely falter here, but recently I've gotten very off track, and have felt the lack of physcial activity's toll on me more emotionally than physically.  I've started running again, and am back up to running several miles a day.  I'm even following a running schedule to keep myself accountable.  I feel better than ever in so many aspects of my life when I just buck up and make it happen.
-Me time.  Crucial.  I love sweat pants, I love being at home, and I love silence.  I need silence.  I need to say No sometimes, and to not cater to everyone else's needs all the time.  I need me!
-Fun!  I'm naturally a hermit, but when someone forces me to go out, or I do it for my own good, I nearly never regret it.  I've found fun in my weekly community groups, in helping Danielle shop for little baby Ayden, in watching movies and drinking too much wine with fellow navy wives and girlfriends, and in exploring Hampton roads- trying new things, getting lost, and meeting new people.

I think we know what we need to be the best that we can be.  If not, you should spend an evening reading, painting your toes nails, taking bubble baths, scrubbing your kitchen, reading magazines, praying, writing, and thinking.  Too much.

You'll freak yourself out.

I don't think I have any more to say tonight.

What makes you...You?

blog MD

Irene has now passed and today was hot, hot, hot!  It's too weird how quickly the weather changes.  One hour I was lying in bed clutching onto my blankets in anticipation for the storm to crack my windows open, and the next I was walking to my mailbox in flip flops and a tank top.  Who knows.

Anyway, the storm was fairly uneventful to me, of which I should be grateful.  Never once did I lose power (Wait!  Lie:  I did, once.  For about 3 seconds.) and Danielle and I were able to drive around a bit, bake brownies, play board games, and watch lots of movies.  We both were very restless after two days of staying inside, though, so this morning I bid Irene farewell, and good riddance to her too.

The worst part about the storm was just last night.  In addition to the howling wind, I kept hearing weird explosions and my stomach was turning all night long.  I hadn't eaten anything weird that day, so I shrugged it off as just being nervous; I tend to get nervous belly aches.  At about 2 in the morning, though, I began my laps back and forth to the bathroom to rid myself of some nasty sickness.  That plus a massive hurricane swirling outside my window did not make for a very pleasant night.  I still felt queasy all day today, and woke up with a massive headache this morning.

Which brings me to my subject:  What's the matter with me?
I've been getting sick a lot lately, usually upset stomachs and often throwing up, for no particular reasons.  I went to the ER again the other day because I was up all night with horrible pains again, but they told me there was nothing they could do about it and sent me home, feeling like a tard.  Since I don't want to go back, I'm curious what you all think.
What's the matter with me?  Am I just a Nervous Nelly?  A Hypochondriac?  IBS?  Same ol' same ol' freaky intestine crap?  Just wondering if anyone has any bright ideas or good remedies.

Ireney-Weenie

Coffee: Check.

Magazines:  Check.

Chocolate:  Check.

Wine:  Check, Check!

Bring it on, Ireney-Weenie!

The forcast says Weenie's on its way starting this morning, and we should get the brunt of it late afternoon and into this evening.  Whoo!  After all of this anticipation, I'm ready to see some action.  I have a full tank, some cash, snacks, a bottle of wine, and plenty of water.  Hurricanes are weird because everyone has so much time to prepare and freak out prior to.  The grocery stores were looking pretty bare yesterday afternoon when I stopped by for some last minute treats and batteries.  I won't even get started describing what the gas stations were like.  I guess when your shit's on the line, your true colors really show.  Way to go, Hampton Roaders!

 

Anyway, I did get to hear from my handsome husband hiding in a giant metal box out in the Atlantic.  They're just floating around, doing whatever it is that they do, but I'm always glad to hear just a word or two from him while he's gone.

 

Now I must make an extra pot of coffee, shower, fill up the tub, and get a few things ready for if/when fit hits the shan.  More updates to come, as long as I have internet access.  Thanks for your concerns, I'll be sure to send texts along the way concerning the storm.  

Well, he escaped again.

Due to Irene, the entire Norfolk Naval Station has deployed to the waters to hide from the storm.  The fellas were supposed to go underway next week anyway, so it'll be be another eight days or so.

Not sure that I'm supposed to share that information.

Not sure that I care.

Anyway, last week's underway was no fun because most of my VA friends also happened to be out of town, but now I'm happy to say they're slowly returning within my grasp.  Last night I had the opportunity to accompany Nate and Danielle to their 17 week ultrasound, where I (only I) learned the sex of little baby Bozung.  I got to see the whole shebang: the squishy jelly on the tummy, a video of the little thing squirming away in there, and lots of photos.  I am to keep the gender a secret for the next ten days before their Gender Reveal Party, where I get to showcase special cupcakes with either blue or pink filling in the middle.  I'd never heard of this before, so I'm quite intrigued with the whole process, and very pleased to be a part of such a fun time in these two's lives.

In other exciting news, I landed myself a new job.  I know, I know- again.

Tomorrow I start orientation for Taste Unlimited in Newport News Town Center.  The place looks fun, the woman who interviewed me seemed likable, and the hours couldn't be better.  I'm excited to start something new (yet again) and meet some more great folks.  This should help me to stay busy while Jody's busy off and away, saving the world.

Right.  Saving the world.

Anyway, I have a lot to praise God for, starting with the incredible support system I have found here.  I feel so privileged and so grateful for the friends I've made, especially the other military wives.
Jody and I have also become members at a local church that has really become a big part of my life.  Jody and I attend a community group every Tuesday evening, and even when Jody is out to sea, I've found a lot of comfort in regularly meeting with a group of individuals every week to talk, pray, joke and eat delicious food.  It's good to feel as if I'm a part of something.

In the meantime, please continue your prayers for Jody and I.  We're gearing up for some tough months ahead.  Please pray for Jody's safety and health while he's out to sea and being worked like a maniac, and maybe, just maybe, for me to maintain my sanity.

Foodie McEatsALot

 

I made these this afternoon, and they are worthy of sharing.  Make them.  Eat them.  Then, thank me.  And I'll thank my Cooking Light Magazine. 

 

Jody comes home on Saturday!  He left last Friday, and I ashamedly must admit that I have been incredibly lonely without him.  I've found ways to keep myself busy, through work, baking, running and (shopping), but jeez louise.  Unfortunately, it sounds like he has two more underways before leaving again for a two month period, after which he'll be home for about two months before the big fat one: deployment.  Gross.  We'll talk more about that later, though.  Probably after I've eaten about twelve pistacio-chai muffins and sucked down bottle of wine.  

 

Right now, I'm just happy to have the company of my best friend again for the weekend.

I spent all afternoon walking a five mile loop with the kids today.  What normally takes me just over an hour took us three and a half.  Kids are slow.  They get hungry.  They have to pee.  They talk.  So.  Much.

Important note: These quotes happened before mile marker 3.5 when sore legs emerged and all hell broke 

loose.

The Blue is Jesse, 8

Pink is Abigail, 10 

(in reference to a baby's bottle)

I know why they're called nipples.  Because they look like nipples.  And babies suck out of them.

Only, they need to be a little brown-er.

(To a stranger in the park)

She's exactly like a vampire.  Kayla, show her your teeth.  And she sparkles in the sun.  Also, she likes spinach.

Yeah!  Like a Vampire!  Only, you're not pretty.

 Here, have a tic tac.

 I think I deserve more than three tic tacs.

You just can't win, can you?  Oy Veh.

Home again, home again?

I'm not sure if I just got home, or if I just visited home. 

 

I've got issues.
While I'm sorting through those, you can sort through these:

 Jody, his mom, Chris and I visited Yellowstone Park.  We stopped in Cooke City and ate bison burgers and did some souvenir shopping along the way.  My new favorite item:  a pair of sweat pants covered in bears. They're bearly awake. Ha!  Clever.

Jody went on his long awaited backpacking trip, and his family took myself and Jenny out to Yellowtail to play on the boat.  A few days later, Dad, Jody and Steve took the boat out again to Cooney.  Steve's pretty good about taking photos for me :)

Can you believe this guy is 52 years old?!

 Don't get into the boat when he's driving.

 Cliff jumping

 Cooney

 Yellowtail

Mom, Janelle, Casey and I also went up to Red Lodge for the day.  We ate at The Local Yokel, a fun new amenity to the small town.  It's a trailer/truck thing sort of like a taco truck, only selling local food items such as burgers, salads, soups, fries and all natural sodas.  I enjoyed a lamburger slider and gazpacho soup.  Tasty tasty!

Sweet Casey.
We were able to spend many many hours together during my trip home.  I love this girl more than words can say, and she's been an incredible support to me during the last three years of my life.
Oh,
she also turns 21 next week- cheer's for best friends!

My nephew Sawyer turns two on Monday, but we got to have an early birthday celebration with Reese, mom, Jenny, Janelle, Mason, Smith and Sawyer.  I was pleased to see that the boys weren't the least bit shy with me, and immediately invited me into their play.  We shot guns, played swords, worked with tools and drove trucks.  And then they (we) napped.  God bless you, Reese.

 The birthday boy was very interested in his birthday cupcakes.

Papa D let the boys make their own pancakes on Saturday morning.  Just one will fill you right up!

Sawyer supervised the breakfast making.