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!