New Addition to the Family

Here she is: Reese!

My husband found Reese about 9 years ago in Florida. The adorable little puppy was wandering through a parking lot all alone. He took her with him and she's been his dog since. She was named after Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Candies. Reese was the apartment mascot while Brian attended college in Florida; and moved to Virginia for a few years, but when Brian went to training Reese couldn't come along. So she went back to Florida, and was there for the past three years. But now that Brian is settled with a wife and a house, Reese gets to be member of her new family.

Reese is a Chow (and Shepherd), and fulfills everything about a Chow breed; loyal, intelligent, and independently stubborn. When I read up on Reese's breed, it was like reading a horoscope description. Just as people can identify themselves as a certain astrological sign; Reese has a 100% Chow temperament! I absolutely love having her with me, especially when I come home from work. She greets me with a wagging tail and friendly kisses. And while those will not substitute the affection I will get from Brian; Reese knows how to keep my spirits up. I really enjoy the new responsibility of taking care of someone (something) else. However, I do feel bad that she doesn't have a yard in which to run and be free. We go for walks every day, and on the weekends venture out to the beach or a nice walking trail. I let her run free at the softball fields near our house, and on the occasion she "runs free" (or escapes) through the neighborhood. The first time she did it, I panicked and drove through the neighborhood crying. When found her she smelled so bad, and she knew she was in trouble; head down and slowing walked toward me. Reese got a bath immediately, and she wasn't happy, but that's life... don't run away and roll in poo!

We are both super excited for Brian to come home! Then we'll be one happy family.

Optimism

I try to have a "Glass Half Full" attitude towards many situations. I was not always like this, though. As a young child, my mother called me a worry wart, because I would assume the worst case scenario about nearly everything. Often times, there was a positive outcome, so the worrying was really unnecessary. Eventually, I change my attitude and realized positivity was a much better way to take on life and it's ups an downs.

That positive attitude is getting me through my husband's deployment. While it is not the optimal situation for any married couple, its even more sucky considering Brian and I have spent more married days apart than actually living together. But there is no reason to dwell on the obvious, negative situation, so I make it a point to think happy thoughts, and more importantly do happy things. If you are friends with me on Facebook, you will see that I rarely (if ever) talk about Brian's deployment, or how much I miss him, or other negative non-USMC issues. Believe me, I miss him. I've only received one negative comment about how "happy" I appear to be while Brian has been gone. So to that person, SHAME ON YOU! Everyone handles situations differently, and I am not the person to talk openly my situation to just anyone (except to close friends and family), or seek out pity party invitations. I would rather have a fun night wine tasting with my girlfriends, or going to see a cheesy chick flick, or paint the living room and kitchen, or go for a runs, or bake cookies for my husband!

Even though Brian and I are, again, long distance, here is my optimistic outlook on a not so optimistic situation.

Gettin' Crafty

I had heard of Pinterest from friends, but never gave it a second thought. I assumed the website was a wedding planning site, but my friend Laura told me all about the great ideas she had for her house. Where did she get these creative ideas.....? Duh, Pinterest! So I joined the bandwagon, and started pinning away. The site has been helpful for getting sparks of inspiration on how I want to paint and decorate the house. Plus, it's a much easier way to share the images with my husband. The old fashioned way of emailed individual photos took so much time. While my husband is deployed, I plan to paint the kitchen and living room, add decorations, and give the house a homey touch. I've got to keep busy somehow :)

So, I started with a small project: Earring Rack. And here's how I did it!

Large picture frame
Picture frame mat
Radiator grate cover
Snips
Packaging tape
Hot glue

I measured and cut the grate cover, so it would fit in the frame mat.

I used packaging tape to secure the grate cover to the back of the frame mat. The grate wasn't flush to the front of the mat, so I used hot glue to the back corners. Much better.

           

Make sure to carefully remove the glass from whatever frame you are using. Also, depending on the type of metal grate you use, the edges can be sharp. I cut my finger a bit.
With the glass removed, insert the photo matting in the the frame and use the tabs to fasten it all together.

  

All done and ready to be displayed!!

Now I need to go find the rest of my earrings... or buy some more!

Altogether this took me probably 45 minutes. I had enough radiator grate cover to probably do another Earring Rack. Christmas gifts maybe!

My next project is a Magnetic Board. Stay tuned!

Halloween Candy

Halloween has come and gone... but the candy remains. I do love me some Reese's Peanut Butter Minis, but I really don't need to consume a whole bag of them. So I found a great recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. Just like chocolate chip cookies, but with Reese's! Again, I don't need the cookies either, so they will be a treat for my husband. I know he'll love them! Brian, make sure to share with your friends :)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Reese's Peanut Butter Minis, chopped
• 
  

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. 

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the peanut butter cups.

Drop tablespoon-size mounds of dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown around the edges, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

ENJOY!!

This Seat is Saved

I took a small hiatus from the blog but I'm back! A lot has happened since July; I started a three jobs, but quit two of them. Eventually settled on a position as a Exceptional Children teacher. Then my husband and I went on our honeymoon. It was the most magical time together. There was one minor hiccup, but what would any adventure be without a few "hurricanes" (one literal, one figurative!). But I'd have to say the biggest event over the past few months, has been my husband deployment.

I knew the day would arrive, and I tried to prepare in every way possible. But, having never gone through this before, I'm having to take every day at a time. As a transplant to the great South, I'm still finding my way around, making new friends, and keeping myself busy. I'm so thrilled to have the teaching job, and to have made some great girlfriends. It surely hasn't been the easiest fete making new friends in this small town, but I'm doing it. As for keeping busy, I decided to train for races: a 15K in December, and "maybe" a half marathon in the spring. Yet, however busy I try to make my days, there is always time for thinking about my husband. I really miss him, and wish he was home with me now. The most difficult part of my day is right when I arrive home from work. The house is so quiet and I know that my husband won't be walking through the door after his day at work. I play music, turn on the TV, or find other ways to keep my mind away from the silence. All in all, I'm doing very well. I have moments of sadness, but keeping a positive attitude is the best thing.

So while I'm at home, and my husband is doing his job, I'm saving this seat for his return. It's our favorite spot to drink wine and watch the sunset. I can't wait for him to get home. I love you Brian.

Ah Yea! The Kitchen Aid!

I hate to pick favorites, but it's a part of life. I have a favorite book (I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb), movie (About a Boy), and food (macaroni and cheese). My husband and I received many wonderful wedding gifts, and we appreciated every single one. But my dream item was the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. And today, I finally used it! I made some chocolate chip cookies, and they were delicious. Even better, my arm wasn't sore from blending the batter!

As a kid I really enjoyed baking. One of my favorite cookie cookbooks I received the Best Kids Cookie Book. I used it ALL the time, wrote in notes, and even took the cookbook with me to Europe when I was an aupair. That cookie book was my favorite! But..... one of my former roommates threw it out when she was cleaning. I was absolutely devastated. The book came out in 1993, and it's no longer being published. I'd take another copy, even if it's not the original one I was given.

Now, that would be my favorite wedding gift!! Alright, off to the next baking endeavour with the Kitchen Aid!!

Welcome to NC

I'm home.
I've never written a blog before, so really not sure how this whole thing works. But I'll give it a shot.
A newlywed of 12 days, and starting my life in a new state. The journey has been an eventful one. I finished teaching, earned a second Master degree, transferred my personal belongings to NC, became a MRS, then moved into a new house with my husband. I surely can't complain. I'm finally living with my best friend, and we live close enough to the beach I can smell it!
Life is good.