So I made kale chips, and this is how they turned out...

Let's just jump on in shall we!

This past Friday night Ray had duty (meaning he wouldn't be home until the following day) so I had plenty of time on my hands and I was bound and determined to make these kale chips. However, after cleaning up after dinner and sweeping and swiffering the floors I plopped myself on the couch for the rest of the night. But, I DID find the motivation the next afternoon - so it's all good!

I've found sooo many yummy recipes on Pinterest, and only a couple not so great ones so I figured these would be great, healthy, yummy, not-potato chip-goodness.

Let's also note that I have never worked with kale. I've eaten it a total of one time, but it seemed so easy! Just as the directions said, I separated the leafy-ness from the tough stalk and veins and washed the leaves. Right away I noticed how much hardier kale is than regular lettuce or spinach and I was excited about what the future could possibly hold for my salty-crunchy craving. I got out my salad spinner I use on rare occasions, simply because I'm not a big fan of the contraption. Then I tossed the kale with olive oil and sea salt per instructions and laid them onto the cookie sheet. You can also enlist your child to help with this process, simply because it makes it a little more fun!

See looks promising!

Now, the recipe said to bake them for about 30 min, which I abided by and was eager to taste the first batch. My thoughts went like this:

"Mmm... crunchy, salty."
"Super thin."
"Like, tissue paper thin."
"But it has kinda good flavor."
"Did I just taste burnt leaves?"

A few minutes later and a few more kale chip tastings and I needed Ray's opinion.
"That tastes like burnt leaves."

Then I get defensive about my efforts and say that they were better straight out of the oven and I'd cut the time in half for the second batch.

Nope. Just nope. Still burnt leaves. (I'm also saving the most pathetic picture for last... because it deserves it.)

I was so disappointed! All that time (not really, it doesn't take long). But alllllll that kale... Now I'm at a loss for what to do with the remaining kale leaves and quite frankly I'm scared to take to Pinterest for suggestions on kale. So how about any of my readers? Suggestions on kale? Or how to better improve the kale chip?

Also, I have uploaded a new video! Feel free to check it out, give it a thumbs up, comment, subscribe... you know the drill ;) Click HERE!

3 YEARS Later!

Holy guacamole you guys! It has nearly been 3 years, THREE YEARS! since I made my last blog post. So much has happened I don't really even know where to begin. Well, I guess I'll start off by saying we have since made a new addition to our family. Our beautiful daughter Lila joined our family in September of 2013 and has been the biggest blessing I have ever received. Each day she teaches me something new and I don't know how my heart is still in my chest because it grows so much bigger every day with all the love I have for her (yes, sappy... but completely true).

In January of 2014 the Marine Corps sent Ray (and the rest of us) to be stationed in Virginia. It was a little sad moving from the base where I learned spent my first years as a military spouse. It felt like home, and the friends we made there felt like home. To be honest, since our move, it has been such an adjustment and I still feel like I'm readjusting every week. I still can't say that I feel like this place is our "home," but maybe we're getting there. Or maybe in a few years when we move, that's when it will feel like home. Ray has also since been promoted, which has brought on new responsibilities and a slightly different schedule. (Like I said, readjusting every week!)

At the beginning of September of 2014 I started daily vlogging on my YouTube channel. It was a lot of fun, but it also took up a good chunk of time that I knew I could be spending with Lila and Ray. After the holidays ended (we were able to travel to Missouri and visit family) I unofficially ended the daily vlogs. I absolutely love that I have those memories of our daily life during that time to look back on for years to come (especially since I was able to capture her first birthday festivities)! I will still do vlogs every now and then, but haven't completely settled on specific days. Don't you worry though, I'll be sure to let you know when I resume them!

For months now I've been feeling like I have some type of creativity inside me and it's trying to get out but just can't figure out how to express it properly. I'm still not sure if the way I should do it is through blogging, vlogging, home decorating, or just coloring in coloring books. So please bear with me while I figure myself out and also figure out this blog. It's still under construction, so please avert any judging eyes. 

Family pic! 

Baby doll and a baby doll

Baby girl and Me! See - heart full EVERY day!

 As always, sending our love from afar.

- Suzanne

Being Strong

So I know I haven't been around (the blog) much lately, which most likely comes as no surprise. But I'm just going to jump right into life right now.

I know blogs are supposed to be something where you can share any and all thoughts you want to, almost like a diary..... but that's on the Internet.... that anyone can read... including creepers... But that's not what worries me about sharing my feelings. It worries me that my family reads my blog. Not that I'm not open and honest with them about things because I am. But I don't like them to know when I'm feeling weak. I don't like them to worry about me. (But just so everyone is clear, I am allowed to worry about them!)

I remember when Ray and I came home (Missouri) for Christmas and it felt so good to be back surrounded by my family and friends. I truly didn't want that time to end and it was so incredibly hard for me to say goodbye. As I choked back my tears, I knew that people were looking to me to be strong. I feel like that was the first lesson of dating someone in the military - you have to be strong. It's something that we no longer have any choice about. I'm supposed to be strong. I'm expected to be strong. So when Ray and I stopped in Kentucky for the night at my brother and sister-in-laws house, my "strength" was nearly completely broken when my nephew reluctantly gave Ray and I  hug goodbye and he very adamantly said "No! No!!" not wanting us to leave. It almost broke my heart. I was tired of having to be strong and say goodbye to my loved ones.

I can't pinpoint the exact moment when I realized how lucky I am to have the family I do, but I know it was some time in college. I am truly blessed beyond words. And now I'm getting a little off topic.

Often times life has been compared to a book, so I'll stick with that illustration (haha, get it, illustration!! Ok, ok... lame I know!) We have many chapters in our lives, and right now I'm beginning the "Deployment" chapter. I reeeeeeally want to skip this chapter, or skim through it, or do something to make it go by faster. Ray has only been gone a short while, and already I feel weak. I'm generally feeling good and strong and happy and cheerful during the day, but at night I feel exactly the opposite. All I want to do is curl up and watch a movie with my hubby. Hey, I'd even take him falling asleep on the floor in front of me. I just want it to be done and over with.

But I can't let myself think like that. I have to look at this situation and know our relationship will be stronger having gone through this. I have to remember my goals for myself while he is away. And I have to kick this deployment's butt.

One of my goals during this time is to blog more - please don't hold your breath because we all can see my history or blogging (or lack there-of). But also, please know that I am always striving to remain strong and positive on the outside, even if the inside of me is the exact opposite. Fake it til you make it right?

I'm not going to end this blog on a sad note, because frankly that's no fun at all! So here you go! This always makes me giggle :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzs

Sending my love,
~Suzanne

Husband down! (Asleep that is, hehe!)

Hello alllllll!!! Well, Husband has fallen asleep on the floor yet again. This has actually become almost a nightly ritual. He's either on the floor or on the couch. But I still think it's adorable because he doesn't go to bed without me (since I'm a night owl). I guess that's one of the ways we make compromises.

I heard (who knows when and where) that you shouldn't go to bed without your significant other. And, generally speaking we abide by this "rule." When Hubby doesn't fall asleep on the floor or couch and decides to go to bed, I generally try to go to bed with him as well - even if it means I'm laying awake in bed for, what seems like, hours. And likewise, Hubby will also lay in bed with me on weekend mornings, or at least he does until he gets too uncomfortable. Unlike me, he is a morning person. His normal body clock is set to wake up at about 6:30 am, but he can fall back to sleep for maybe an hour before getting restless. See - compromise :)

I guess lately I've just really been appreciating all the little things Ray does or says. I want to remember every teeny tiny little detail while he's gone (does that sound creepy??? if it does... who cares!). I think this mindset is a complication of Ray gearing up for deployment and military support sites. Confused? Let me explain.

I am a member of one military support group in particular (but without naming names) that can be the most helpful and support bunch of women you will ever come across in your life. Other times, the nearly 3,000 women's opinions can be.... overwhelming. Oh there is plenty of drama for any reality tv show junkie to witness, so that's exactly what I look at it like - my own reality-Facebook-group-show. The girls are free to voice their opinions about anything, ask questions, seek guidance from others, and have all around support. But with that many girls, obviously not every one is going to see eye to eye, hence where the drama comes in.

So, like I said, with girls free to post about anything, I think often times they use it as their personal diary. They complain about what their husbands are doing, what they're not doing, what they used to do that they no longer do, etc. Now granted, some of these girls have very serious issues with all different kinds of abuse or neglect or heath issues or what have you. But I see all too many times where girls go on the site and just complain about their husband, or their in-law or this or that. As many times as I've seen it, I just can't help but be thankful for what God has given me. I have a supportive, loving husband who makes me laugh hysterically on a daily basis. I have a wonderful family, one that I was born into and one that I married into. And even though there are times where I am upset at someone/thing or another, why on earth would I complain to hundreds of girls "what my husband did!!"

I guess that's another thing I was told along the way - do not discuss your arguments between you and your husband with your mother (or insert other family member). So how do these women think this is okay? I don't know.... I guess I'm just too much of an old fashioned person to think that you keep your personal problems personal. Don't get me wrong, if there are serious issues to be addressed, go get help people! But speaking in generalizations.

Moral of the story... I like to ramble. Second moral of the story, I love all the little moments I get to share with my husband and I hope that when I've been married 60 years, I'll still remember them.

Ok, Ray has officially woken up enough to go to bed, so off I go! Thanks for listening/reading!! Sending my love!!

~Suzanne

Pictures!!!

So I've been wanting to write on here, but I really don't have that much to say.... so how about some pictures? Ok!!! (Just so you know you can click on the picture to see the enlarged version)

1st wedding anniversary!! We went to sushi then settled down and watched a movie :)

Ahhh! Mollie Gross came to Cherry Point!!

And she was absolutely HILARIOUS!

And I got my book signed and a pic snapped :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

New Background Time!

Friends and Family,

If you have come across my blog before I have finished its "face-lift" please excuse the mess. I swear I have to relearn how to put things how I want them each time I get a new background. Will update soon!!

Fall is here!

Oh I am so happy fall is finally here! I love the cooler weather, all the leaves changing colors (and I have a beautiful pair of brown boots I am eyeing!!) and all the holidays that come with it. Obviously, Halloween has come and gone, but fall is definitely still in the air here in eastern NC. While some people are eagerly Christmas shopping, I still like to remember Thanksgiving!

I am so excited for Thanksgiving this year as we will be going to Kentucky to meet up with my parents, sister, and my brother and his family. Ugh, I am so unbelievably ready for not only Thanksgiving itself, but to see my family!!! The last time I have seen my family was in May, and yes, time has gone by quite fast, I still miss them terribly. Luckily, I will get to spend almost 4 days with them!!

So... obviously, I have changed my blog to better represent the season. And in a way, it is also very representative of how I have been feeling lately. I need a change. A change of pace, a change of activities, a change of hairstyle or something!! In all seriousness, I have been really trying to figure out what God's plan is for me and how he want me to use my 'talents' if you will. I have my own ideas, but I am trying to keep in mind those are only the things that I want, and not necessarily what God wants for me. One thing that I struggle with is that I thought I was supposed to figure this out in college - that's why you go to college right? To search and find ways to use the talents God gave you and use them to the best of your ability. To choose the career path that best serves Him. Well... I don't know what that is, and I've been done with school for almost a year now. What am I supposed to be doing? What is His plan?

And in the meantime, while I try to make my eyes and ears ready for his response... I try to keep busy. Today, Ray and I raked leaves! And I will gladly insert a picture to show you how many there were! And what better reference to use than the Mini!

The 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball was this past Monday for Ray's squadron. We had an okay time... not as good as last year, but I'm chalking that up to a bad DJ and not knowing as many people as I did the year before.

Let's see... Oh! We also made a trip to Chicago, IL (ok, well outside Chicago) a couple weeks ago for one of Ray's friend's wedding. It was absolutely beautiful and we had an amazing time!! Congrats Nate and Kelly!! (I am aware the pic is fuzzy... but I like it! hehe!)

As of right now, that's all we've been up to as of lately (and I'm not going to summarize the past nearly 3 months that I have failed to blog - mostly just work and auto-x). But auto-x is coming to a close for the season next weekend and then the next weekend is Thanksgiving!!! AHHHH!! I'm so happy!!

 So that's it for now! All my love :)

Thought I'd include a picture of our Jack-O-Laterns this year. Guess you can't guess who carved which one ;)

Went for a drive today. We were just waiting for the ferry :)

My first hurricane - Ms. Irene

Well, we survived. Obviously... I'm writing this! But seriously... here is how the past several days went:

Wednesday
Talk of the coming hurricane was growing, and we decided tonight was the night to buy our supplies. I don't remember exactly what Ray and I did that day, only that we were both very busy, and I didn't go to Wal-Mart until about 9:00 that night. (And for those of you who do not know, since I've started working, I'm basically worthless by 10 pm.) I was starting to get a little worried that night so I was rushing around, making sure we had everything, and didn't end up going to bed until around 12 am.

Thursday
I was wanting to leave town. Seriously, by the time I got off work on my way home, I was ready to pack up everything and hit the road. I listened to the radio on the way home and freaked out enough for the both of us. All I saw on my way home was trucks hauling trailers and boats the opposite direction I was driving. I didn't want to have to worry about the water, the wind, the electricity, flooding, etc. Basically, I was scared. Ray was being logical and saying we were going to be fine, he's been through this before, it wasn't looking like it was going to be that bad, etc. (and it ended up, he was completely right).  However, Ray reassured me we would put plywood over the windows and everything would be ok.

Friday
It was a strange feeling going to work that day. I didn't know if I would work a full day or not, but I went in expecting to work all day. At about 11:30, my boss asked if anyone had gotten the mail yet (I usually get it on my lunch break around 2:00), and asked me to go ahead and get it. By the time I got back to the office, the rugs had been taken up off the floor, along with the electronics and everything was unplugged. Apparently we were leaving early! I ran the last few errands of the day and then the office closed up around 1:00. Now that was a strange drive home! Seeing "Hurricane Evacuation in Progress" on the electronic boards on the highway was a little eerie, especially considering I was heading east...

But, there was good news. Irene was now a category 2, as opposed to a category 3 like they had been predicting. We were just praying it stayed more east.

Now, here is where I get a little frustrated... Ray was supposed to be getting plywood from someone at work. Ray goes over to this guy's house around 4:30, and helps him some, then goes to pick up a buddy from the airport and take him to his house in New Bern, then has to come back to Havelock. By the time Ray gets home, it's beginning to get dark, has already been raining and the wind is starting to pick up. But the worst thing is that I can see Ray's frustration when the guys bring the plywood into the garage. Basically, it's crap and we'd only be able to cover one window with it. Here's what just plain ticks me off - Ray is one of the most giving people I know. He gives of his time, his effort, his hard work, to help someone - anyone. And what does he get in return. "Well... this is all there was." In a time where people should be coming together to help each other, people are just being rude and self-centered. I know for a fact, that if Ray and I had gotten plywood and someone would have asked if we could pick up some for them (because they don't have a truck or a way of hauling it) he would have said "no problem" and then he would help put it on. And if there wasn't hardly any left, he would have split it 50/50, even giving them the better pieces. Ok, vent over.

So ANYway... by the time we get things figured out how we could possibly use the plywood, we basically just say "meh" to the whole thing and decide against covering our windows in the rain and wind. Instead, I go inside, make beef stroganoff for dinner, muffins for breakfast for Saturday, and have a movie night.

Saturday
We wake up around 7:00 to more rain and wind. Still, nothing too terrible, but we have no power. We turn on the radio to find out what's happening with Irene. It ends up making landfall about 7:30 on Ocracoke Island as a category 1, so we didn't end up getting it too bad. In fact, throughout the day, the news kept reporting it was horrible, and destructive.... but quite frankly, it wasn't that bad. Now, let me say this: I have heard New Bern has had a lot of water, but New Bern doesn't drain very well to begin with because it's built up so much, annnnnnd it's on the river. Anyway... Saturday consisted of several naps and severe boredom. You don't know how addicted you are to something until it's taken away - internet. But, it was actually nice to spend quality time with the hubby. And bonus... Magma was extra lovey! We did get a little cabin fever and we headed out in town while there was a lull later that evening. We saw some downed trees and some flooded ditches, but nothing too terrible. Nonetheless... the media still played it up to be way worse than it was - I promise, Dad!!

Oh, haha... I almost forgot the best thing.... When the wind started blowing in from the west, it started blowing in water through the vents on the outside of the house. This meant we had water dripping from our bathroom in our bedroom, our front bathroom, above our pantry in the kitchen, and best of all... the bubble of water that was in between the paint and the wall (and yes, I will include that picture). We lost a couple singles, but other than that, everything was fine :)

Sunday
We woke up to a beautiful morning! Not a cloud in the sky, but still no power. Ray and I picked up some limbs and then started raking the yard. With the two of us, it took hardly any time at all. We talked to a couple of our neighbors (who have generators by the way... which we are thinking about making an investment in) after we were done. The power ended up coming back on a little before noon today. Which is awesome because we had heard it could be off for 3-7 days. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ELECTRICIAN PEOPLE!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. We know we are very lucky and I thank God he protected us from what could have been a very dangerous situation. And now... what you've been waiting for... the water bubble:

I haven't shared any pictures in a while, so I thought I would include some :) I'll actually write later, but it's already past my bedtime and I still need to do a few things around the house. so... pictures will have to suffice. Loves to all!!

Magma and I on my birthday. My wonderful hubby got me clipless bike pedals and shoes (not in the giant box) and "Confessions of a Military Wife" - a book that was lovingly taped to the bottom of the giant box, hehe!

We have a mini! And not just a toy one - a real one!!

Missing home a little this week...

Friday at work, a sister of one of the ladies I work with came into the office. It was kind of comical to see how much they looked and sounded so alike. It definitely reminded me of Rachael and I. It seems like everyone tells us how much we sound alike and how you can definitely tell we're sisters. But to be honest, the whole experience just reminded me of how far away from my family I am. I know, I was having another pitty-party. But my thought process went something like this: 1) Haha! You and you're sister remind me of me and mine! 2) Aww, that's sweet that family members come in to say hi at work. 3) Aw... that makes me kind of bummmed... my family is too far away. 4) Stupid North Carolina! You're too far away from Missouri! 5) *pushing thoughts out of my head and trying to concentrate at work*

I don't know why it's bothering me so much lately. Maybe because Greg and Hilary (my brother and sister-in-law) got to go home last week and I won't be able to see family until Thanksgiving. I guess it just all hit home too hard. I normally don't dwell too long on it, just because it makes me sad so quickly. So I guess you could say my coping mechanism for that would be denial - I try not to think about it. And when I do think about it, I don't dwell on it and force myself to focus on something else.

Like even now, I had so many thoughts racing through my head, but when I try to "write" them all down, I don't want to make myself think about it. So instead, I'm going to go get ready for church.

Love you all. So much.

Happy birthday - To everyone in born in July!

Since it has been so long since I've been on here, I figured I needed to start with something simple such as telling all my family happy birthday! Ok, ok... not everyone has their birthday in July in my family, but a large portion does. So... here goes: Happy birthday to...
My uncle David - July 4th
My wonderful Dad - July 9th
My beautiful sister - July 11th
My uncle Aaron - July 13th
My aunt Sara - July 14th
My beloved Mommy - July 15th
My aunt Jan - July 17th
My aunt Julie - July 20th (and meee!)
My father-in-law Kent - July 24th

There are also several friends who have b-days in July... but I'm a slacker (clearly... you follow my blog, or at least when I post). Nonetheless, Happy birthday to Sam, Emily, and Jaime!
Oh my goodness! And congratulations to Erica and Malissa for each getting married! I wish more than anything I could have been there for you both, but time and distance don't always get along.  Erica - who would have known that a friendship that started out in one of the most difficult classes (International Relations) would have remained so strong. We went through so much together those last semesters - actually making it through IR, getting trampled at the football game, engagements, concerts.... we did it all :) I wish you and Ryan nothing but the best! Love you girl! Malissa - it would have been so great to get to celebrate with you in South Carolina. Your dress was gorgeous, as were you! You and Jason looked so happy!! All the best to you both :)
I promise that I thought about my blog almost once every night. Considering how long it's been since I've last blogged... that's several times people! But, if you haven't noticed by now, I failed Jillian Michaels. Ugh, I absolutely hate to write that since it was something that I enjoyed (when I wasn't in pain). I don't know if I'm going to start it back up again or not though. It was a great workout, but just thinking about how long level  1 was makes me unmotivated.

How do people do it? Work at their job, work out, take care of a family, get in their hobbies, get things done around the house. Right now, I'm still trying to establish a good schedule of work and making dinner for the hubby and I. Hmmm... I did a load of laundry tonight, I guess that's progress??

On a random note: I'm thinking of chopping off my hair again. I really do love it long, but it's so annoying in the heat and humidity. I generally pull it back in a pony tail for work, and It's starting to hurt my head. Buuuuut... I really like it long, and think I would miss it when the cooler weather comes around. Decisions, decisions. I know, life altering ones. Don't worry, I'll keep you "in the know" about the choices I'm facing - because I know everyone on blogger is eagerly awaiting my decision.

Well, it is now 10:30, 30 minutes past when my brain has shut off for the night, and I now wish I had started this earlier. Ok, well no promises on when I'm going to post again, but let's hope it's soon. Good night all. I love you :)

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy 4th of July everyone! I know this is where I need to gush my love for my country and for everyone who has sacrificed... but right now I'm just trying to keep my eyes open long enough to get this written. But just for the record, I'm pretty sure I live in the greatest country and am so incredibly lucky and proud to be an American.

Ok, that being said, I fail at life. I basically cannot get motivated enough to finish the 30 day shred, much less blog about it. Yeah, I could just lie to everyone and say how great I've been doing and I'm basically finished with it and blah blah blah... but of course, that would be completely untrue. Plus, I have a job now (Yay! Wahoo! Woot! Woot!) and that just gives me even more of an excuse not to find 20 minutes of my time to do the workout. Like I said - fail. Ugh. I don't really want to think about that right now. So, I'm moving on as of right now. I'll write more at a later time. (Hugh, funny how I do believe I said that in one of my previous posts... I need to look back at that.)

Ray and I have had a pretty good weekend. Friday we went and watched Transformers 3 and it was pretty good. Overall, it was a good movie experience - humor, suspense, action, etc. The downfall? Two and a half hours of it got a tad long... Nonetheless, I still give it a great review :) Saturday, we headed down (up? over? I don't know.) to Topsail Beach where our friends' family rents a beach house and hung out with them for the day. It was a very relaxing, just plain awesome day. I even found a sand dollar! It was alive when I found it, and then it ended up dying in the bucket by the end of the night. But that's ok, haha. I'll put a pic up of how it turned out once I bleached it and everything. Sunday we were lazy and just hung around the house. Today we went to Mindi and Dustin's house in Jacksonville for an afternoon bbq, then went and met up with Ray's cousin, Daniel and his family. We stayed there for a bit and then headed onto base (at Camp Lejeune) for the fireworks display. I would have attempted to take a picture but I didn't grab the memory card for the camera before we left - yet another fail. Ooooohhhh welllllll. Traffic was crazy on the way back tonight, specifically going into Jacksonville, which made me very happy we were going the opposite direction.

Well, I'm pooped and just want to go to bed. I'll include more interesting things and pictures on the next post. Love you all and sorry this was a little lackluster...

This week in recap, and Happy Father's Day!!

Ok Suzanne. Get with the blogging program! Man, I have really been slacking!

I had a great time this week! It started off by me hitting up Michael's (Craft Store) and finding some great deals. I went there originally wanting to pick up some letters to put above our bed. (It's sooooo plain in there!) There were some large wooden letters that would have been great for hanging and adding fabric or patterned paper to make them look really pretty. But then I realized, I'm not a very crafty person and who knows how they would have turned out. So, instead I picked out some paper and decided I'm going to spell LOVE above our bed, with each letter in its own picture frame. Now this is something I can do :) It took me a while to choose the patterns, but I finally found the ones I wanted. Yay! And then, because it started downpouring outside, I decided to check out the clearance aisle. I thought maybe they would have some cheap frames to put the letters in, but they were all too big to put above our bed. But I did find two vertical frames that would go on either side of our "*Last Name*" frame. And, I can now happily report that we have 2 of our 3 pictures hanging on our walls, YAY!! Haha! It's crazy how long it takes when you don't have everything you need right off the bat. Nonetheless, we just have one more picture to hang and I'm waiting on something to go underneath it so it's not just hanging in mid air (at least that's what I feel it needs).

So, that was pretty much my Monday. Oh, I did forget to say that that was the first day of level 2 of the 30 Day Shred. My oh my... that was hard! It's a fun workout, but man is it difficult! I thought I would be really sore when I woke up Tuesday, but it was mostly just my gluts! Anyway, Felicia and I went to Zumba Tuesday morning. Wow! Talk about being completely drenched in sweat (ewww, gross I know, but it's true). It was a lot of fun though, and the instructor is really nice. We went to the class that's offered on base (mostly because it's free) and it was very comfortable. I didn't feel judged or looked at weird like I thought I might. Don't ask me why, just being self-conscious I guess. We ate at a sub place on base and then went to the pool. We ended up seeing the Zumba instructor there so we talked to her for a little bit. The water felt great and we stayed for quite a while.

Wednesday I did my Jillian workout, ran some errands, and then went to my friend Mindi's house. Thursday was Zumba again and then Felicia and I just hung out. Friday, I was a complete bum. There's really no other way to put it. I told myself that I had earned a day off, and that was that. However, not doing anything put me in a weird funk, so I don't think I'll be doing that again for awhile. I made shrimp fettuccine alfredo last night and Ray and I took some to the guy who watched Magma for us while we were gone. I'm actually very glad I made a double batch, because that stuff is SO good! Then Ray and I went to the beach. It was a good night for it, not busy, and not too cool (since it was dark by this point). All-in-all it was a good week. Even better because Ray made pancakes this morning :)

I hope it won't be so long until the next time I blog - I need  to get better about it. Oh, and since my father is not on facebook and he cannot see my profile picture, I'll include in in here since Father's Day is tomorrow. Dad - your card is on it's way, but probably won't be there until Monday or Tuesday. Sorry! hehe.

Love to all, especially you Dad!!

Short Post :-)

Ok everyone, here's a little post so I can say that I'm slightly keeping up with this blog...

- Yesterday, Felicia and I went to the beach. It was a beautiful day! We got in the water a couple times even though it was pretty rough. However... I got EXTREMELY burnt! I know, I know... go figure Suzanne. Wow, you got burnt. What else is new? But I haven't ever gotten burnt on my backside like I did yesterday. It hurts to sit down. It was my own fault for using only tanning spray... you know that stuff with like 4 spf? But on a good note! I used regular sun screen on my arms, shoulders and face! So those didn't get burnt at all :)

- Today, I was lazy because of my horrific burn, so I physically could not do the workout. But hopefully my skin will actually not hate me tomorrow and will allow me to move my legs without causing extreme pain. Oh, I also made no bake cookies this evening :)

So.... um, I guess that's it! Nothing too exciting has gone on. We're lame. Right now, Ray is torturing Magma, trying to make her fit into a tiny box. I'll leave you on that note :)

We're alive I promise!

Oh my goodness has it been a long time (for me at least) since my last blog post! Don't worry... we're alive and well :)

I went back to Missouri for my sister's wedding! Aaahhh! I'm still reliving the beautiful day it was!! (*insert huge happy face here*) Thinking back, it was quite a world-wind week that I was home. I flew into MO on the 20th and was at my parents house for almost a week before going to stay with my sister the last few days before the wedding. That weekend we had crazy weather, and it continued pretty much the rest of the week. I believe it was the 22 when the devastation in Joplin happened, and my heart still goes out to all the families affected. And even the days following we had crazy weather with tornado warnings and watches. Our family just kept praying it would workout for Rachael's outdoor wedding on the 29th and we kept a close eye on the weather forecast. On Friday of that week, we had her Bridal Luncheon at a local winery's visitor's center where we went on a small walking tour and then had lunch. Then it was off to Rach's bachelorette party!! We headed down the road to the actual winery and met a couple more people. We sipped on some wine, gave her some of her gifts (and I'll let that remain just between us girls!), and then went back to her house to meet another friend before we headed off to dinner. Little did she know we had a limo picking us up! The look on her face was priceless! I wish I could describe it on here, but it would end up just being a "Suzanne story" and for those of you who don't know what that is... you're blessed.

Anyway... we had a great time! And the weather was nice to us from that day on (it was a little cold that Friday, but nothing unbearable). Then Saturday, Rachael, Hilary and I went and got out nails done and did some other last minute errands before the rehearsal dinner that night. (Side note: It was so cute at the rehearsal though, because that's when I first saw how nervous she was! When Dad walked her down the isle, she didn't even look at Tom! Haha, she just kept her head down and was very serious about everything! lol - ok, there was a bit of a "Suzanne story" for you) Ray had gotten in early Saturday morning after spending the night in the airport in Atlanta and then met us as the rehearsal. But after dinner, Ray, Mom, Dad, Rachael and I all headed back to Rach's house to work on programs. It was a fun night getting her all ready to get married the next day :) Another thing I'll always remember.

Since the wedding wasn't until 4:00 Sunday afternoon, we didn't have to be up super early. We got to the reception site around 10 where the hair lady (I know, that's her official title, haha) was waiting for us and we took turns setting up tables, chairs, center pieces and everything else. It looked beautiful and better than that, the sun was bright and shining! It was even kind of hot! All the guys showed up around 12 to set up the chairs for the ceremony outside and next thing you know, it's closing in on 4:00. Rachael was nothing but calm and collected the whole day (or at least that's what showed hehe). She said she had the nervous/excitement, but I would say all-in-all, that's a good thing to have. I have seen some beautiful brides, but I think my sister trumped them all. She was gorgeous and when she walked down the isle, Tom could barely contain his emotions and the former Marine shed some tears. (Ray even admitted he teared up, but shhhhhh! He doesn't read this!! haha!) The ceremony was beautiful and everything turned out great! The reception was so much fun and I hope the Bride and Groom were able to enjoy themselves, but most of all just be able to take everything in and remember the day as a day of love, celebration and pure joy.

Monday morning we went back to their house for a brunch and present opening (my duties didn't stop at the wedding! Since I missed her shower, I was the one who had to write down the gifts). It was great to be able to spend some extra time with everyone before we had to take off the next day. But before we left on Tuesday, we were able to stop by and see my friend Emily who lives in St. Louis and have some lunch. I hadn't seen her since our wedding, so it was great to be able to catch up. Why I didn't take a picture I have no clue...

So, I guess this brings us back to the almost-present. Last week I started catching up on things around the house (ok, ok, mostly things on the internet) and next thing you know the weekend is here. We went to the beach on Friday after Ray got off work. Saturday, Ray fiddled with his car and I helped a little, then that evening we went to our friend's house and had bbq before heading to the movies to see "The Hangover 2." We heard mixed reviews on it, but I think all four of us agreed that it was just as good as the first one. Good times :) Then on Sunday Ray and I went to the beach! Although... it has gotten quite lame that you have to pay to park in the public parking spaces... what's the point of that?! Ok, I get the point of it, but it's just not cool. $10 parking?! No thank you... we'll just go somewhere else... and so we did. (I should say that that's just from the hours of 9am -5pm, but still.... bleh! They should just make it on the weekend so they can get money from the tourists...) So we made out way down to a different area (I'm not saying where though! Ok.... It's public... not a big deal... everyone probably already knows where it is anyway...). ANYway! We finally got to the beach and the sun is trying to come out behind the clouds, and then we end up seeing dolphins! Adorable, cute, dolphins! And not just one or two like the other time we saw them. There was a whole pod! Twice! It was super cool and totally made not paying for parking that much better :) And that my friends and family, has now brought us up to the present.

Oh blehhhhhh! Jillian Michaels! Oh good grief I'm never going this long without blogging again... Ok, so I failed when I was home and I only did the workout once. So... I started it back up on Friday, and am planning on doing level 1 until Wednesday to get myself back into it, and then going onto level 2. Ok yay! That's it! I'm going to Zumba tomorrow with Felicia - wish us both luck! And I'm including the vid I took of the dolphins. It's the black dots that appear a little farther out than the people were swimming. I so wish the camera would have picked them up better! They were fairly close, but it's hard to tell. Oh well, enjoy anyway! Lots of love!!

PS: Ok, maybe not... The video was taking hours to load, so I cancelled it and will try again tomorrow. Sorry!

Day 8!

I feel like I actually accomplished things today! It all started because I couldn't get back to sleep when Ray left around 6 this morning. So instead of waiting until I did fall asleep, I decided to get up, eat some breakfast, and start my day! But first, I had to watch Army Wives (duh! it was a new episode last night!)... After that I popped in the dvd and off I went into the workout! It felt a little different doing it so early in the morning, but it was a great way to start off my day. I was showered and doing laundry by 10, which is very unusual considering I had been sleeping until 9 these past couple weeks.

As far as the workout is concerned, I do feel as though I am gaining endurance and things are coming a little easier for me to do. However, I have been doing the girly pushups (on your knees) and tried to do normal ones today... yeah... that's not happening.... I'll try it again tomorrow though. Other than that, things went pretty well!

Basically the rest of my day consisted of laundry, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, etc. It's nice to be able to relax the rest of the day instead of putting off the workout until the very end. However, as productive as my day was, I still didn't get everything done I wanted to. I didn't go to the post office, or Wal-Mart which I HAVE to do before I leave town. I guess I'll just have to get that done tomorrow! Oh, my friend and I are going to a Zumba class tomorrow... which us luck!

Dear 30 Day Shred:

Ugh! I feel like I'm totally failing at this whole thing! I didn't do the workout again today (I say again because I didn't do it on Friday). However, Ray and I did do a pretty mean bike ride today... so I guess I can count that.

Now, when I say we went for a bike ride today, I should also mention how windy it was! I wish I knew what the speed was, but I don't. All I know is that it was not an easy task on our way back. All-in-all, we guesstimate we bike about 8 miles. And one of these days I'm going to pay attention to the time we start and the time we end.

Speaking of biking, I really want clipless pedals! Ray has them on his bike (he got them mostly for the trail biking he does), but I want some so I can actually keep up! I mean, I keep up just fine, but I've done my research and clipless pedals can really help your endurance. Basically it makes better use of your energy and effort. So I went ahead and told Ray that I'd like to have them as a birthday present. So here it is people! Written down for all to see! He should have no excuse for not knowing what to get me for my birthday, hehe!

Well, I'm going back to MO in less than a week! So that means hard-core cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping for Ray, haha! I definitely have a working to-do list in my brain of things I need to get done before I leave. So much to think about!! Ok, off to bed! G'night all!

Day 7 with Jillian

Ok, getting a little back to posting normally again. Today is day 7! Woot woot!  I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't workout yesterday, so I really tried to make today's count. I don't know if it was the humidity or what, but I think I sweat more today than the first couple of days. I actually feel like I'm getting stronger, at least in my arms. My legs feel like they can take more, and I think there might be abs underneath my stomach! I'm planning on doing 3 more days of the first workout, and then move on to the second level. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Ray did the workout again with me today. It's fun to have him there next to me!

Today Ray made pancakes for breakfast (this is the benefits of having a hubby who gets up at the crack of dawn) and then we headed out to run some errands. Then we went to the beach for a couple hours. It was overcast, but still a great day because it was only a little windy and a great temperature. There was even some kind of junior surfing competition going on, so that was cool to watch! We stopped by a consignment store on the way home, but didn't see anything we couldn't live without (I'm currently on the hunt for an entryway table and don't want to spend the $150 for one at Target). When we got home, Ray mowed the lawn and I gabbed with Rachael for a bit. Then we did the workout, ate some dinner and then went to meet up with Ray's car club people. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but they really do just stand around and gab and gab and gab and gab and gab and GAB! about car stuff! The guys were pretty nice, I had met some of them already through Ray's auto-x races. After that, we came home, cozied up on the couch and finished "Shooter" That's it for our Saturday! Next time I'll take pics of the beach and make everyone jealous though! ;)

Loves! XOXO

I know, I suck...

I was supposed to post last night after my workout but, again, I didn't do it until late at night (11 pm) so I just went straight to bed. The workout was good. I felt good after I was done and everything, but my knee was kind of bothering me, so I didn't add extra weight on it when I was doing certain exercises. I actually woke up today with my arms sore as well as my hamstrings. Oh well, at least I'm still feeling it!

Today I had an appointment to see a specialist about my IBS. Unfortunately, I have to have a procedure done that I'm reeeeeally not looking forward to. Honestly, I just really hate feeling like I'm 60 years old when I'm only 22. Seriously, when I was in the office, it was mostly people over the age of 60. Ugh... so irritating. Luckily, I have a husband who is very supportive and tells me things are going to be ok, even when I feel so low. He's truly amazing and I am completely blessed to have him in my life.

Tonight we went to a going away party for a friend of ours who I am very sad to see go. She's going to school in Kentucky, but has a very good friend still here, so I think she'll still visit often. She was basically the second girl I met when I got here last summer and was so friendly and welcoming. Basically, she's awesome, haha!

Tonight, I'm taking it easy. Yeah, I know I should do the workout. But I'm going to snuggle on the couch with my man tonight. Yay for the weekend! G'night all!

XOXO

PS: Magma is recovering well and is actually laying on her box (like in this picture) as I type this. Here's a pic of her from about a week ago. I know some haven't seen a her since she was a kitten!

Day 5, yesterday

Ok, so I know... I didn't write yesterday. But it's not because I didn't do the workout. It's that I didn't do it until 10:00 pm and then I went straight to bed.

I had to get Magma to the vet yesterday morning by 9 to get her spayed. Boy was she not wanting to get in her carrier... I think she knew where she was going. I had to leave her there for the day (my poor kitty! abandoned!) so I came back home and did a few things around the house. Ok, let's be real Suzanne, I didn't do much yesterday. I filmed a video, edited a little bit of it, and then headed out the door to take one of my friends to the airport. If there's one thing I learned from her, it's that traveling with a 4 month old and a 2 year old is NO small task! God bless her, and all other parents who have traveled by themselves with their kids!

By the time I got back to the house, Ray had already picked up Magma. All I can say is that it must be so scary for an animal to go through surgery. They don't know where they're going, what's happening to them, will the weird feeling of medicine ever go away. We kept her in her travel carrier until about 8:30, then let her out (the doc said to keep her in a quite spot and not let her out until then). The poor thing could hardly walk! And she was so drugged up she couldn't really focus on things. She seems so scared. On a side note, it was kind of funny to see her eat and drink, because she laid out flat on the floor and used her paws to keep the bowl near her, hehe!

After we put her in the garage for the night, I did my workout and Ray observed. It was actually a good thing though because he could help me with my form and cheered me on! I'm a lucky gal! Then, like I said, I basically went straight to bed.

Then this morning I woke up around 6 to help Ray give Magma her medicine. I was so surprised at how not-injured? she acted. She still walks gingerly, but she's back to her little "mews" and loveable self. Which actually surprised me, because normally after she gets shots, she's pretty moody for the next 24 hours. Well anyway, Ray went off to work and I tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't.

For those of you who aren't friends with me on facebook, I got an awesome email from a career placement company saying that I wasn't qualified for the position I applied for. Awesome. I'm not qualified to run a copy machine. I'm. So. Happy. So basically, I couldn't get this off my mind, so I decided to watch some episodes of Army Wives on Netflix. Three episodes later, I realize I'm pretty tired, so I take a nap. Waking up to my own snore at 11, I figure it's finally time to get up. I played with Miss Magma for a while, got dressed, and now am finishing lunch. Because I have been so lazy, I decided "No good leftovers for you." Instead, I'm having tuna on crackers and yogurt topped off with a water. (I know, I sound so healthy! But I might add a cookie to that....)

Now, I'm getting ready to leave to go see Felicia and we're going to hang out and do girly things. I really have no idea what we're going to do besides take back a hand towel I got at Target. Will write more tonight after the workout (if it's not too late again). Loves!