Welcome the Holiday Stress...

Talk about a couple of hectic days, I don't know what else could be thrown at me this week. But I pray that God is done challenging me for a while. I know that the holidays bring extra stress but I did not see this in my future...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010
DLI Farsi Graduation

 I would just like to inform anyone who is in college to make sure you know everything possible about student loans and once you finish school make sure ALL contact information is correct.  I was contacted by a very mean debt collector, informing me that I have a debt of over $1,000 for a loan that I apparently was refusing to pay. Trust me if I had known that I had more than one Loan I would have been paying both off every month. I have not been notified by the Loan office by phone, mail, or email to notify me. The first call I get is from a Debt collector (who was the rudest a person can be). I had just enough strength not to cry while I got bullied by someone. I understand that they have a crappy job but rudeness when I am just trying to get an understanding of the situation is just uncalled for. I only asked questions.

Also yesterday I was told that Christopher's Grandmother was being admitted to the hospital. She is 91 and in the hospital for fluid build-up around her lungs, which is causing her feet to swell. She's also got something going on with her liver that is puzzling to her doctor so they're having specialists come in today to help figure it out. I am asking anyone who reads this to please keep her in your prayers.

For anyone keeping up with my blog in the past couple of months knows that I have been dealing with excessive weight gain and the struggle to get it off. I have been working on eating healthier, exercising more, and I came off birth control which I believe was one of the reason I gained in the first place. Well I had a doctors appointment today for a follow up on some recent blood work and it turns out I am still gaining weight. 13 pounds since my last appointment (thats a pound a week). WHAT AM I DOING WRONG??? My thyroid is finally in check but could be better. The best advice my doctor gave was to join a Dance class. I am so frustrated.

At least these Babies keep me going, Looking forward to seeing them in less than a weeks time.

Test and Trial Friday (Thanksgiving Edition)

Okay so I forgot to do right down my recipes last week and Yesterday. But today I am going to make up for it by doing my Thanksgiving Test and Trail Friday Edition. This year I was in charge of desserts, Chex Mix, and one casserole. And as always my husband did not allow me to cheat with pre-made anything, so once again everything is from scratch. I was lucky and most of my cooking/baking was done on Wednesday night so that my Husband could have control of the oven all day Thursday. I enjoyed my baking time a learned that I need to invest in an apron of some sort. I am sharing three of my recipes Chex Mix, Green Been Casserole, and Red Velvet Cake (including frosting). I loved cooking my first Thanksgiving with my husband and I am blessed to have him state side for another year. Well I am off to enjoy more of my leftovers.

Chex Mix 
3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-size pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Oven Directions Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

Green Bean Casserole 
2 (10.75 ounce) cans Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cups cooked cut green beans
2 2/3 cups French's French Fried Onions

1. Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3-qt. casserole.

2. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 min. or until hot. Stir.

3. Top with remaining onions. Bake for 5 min. more.

Red Velvet Cake
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 bottle (1 ounce) McCormick® Red Food Color
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.

2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not overbeat. Spoon batter into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.

3. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. Frost with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar until smooth.

Red Velvet Cake

Test and Trial Friday

I am actually excited to talk about my recipes this weeks. Yes I have two this week, an turkey dish and a pastry. I am not going to lie I was more excited about doing my apple pie than the Swiss Turkey Bundles, but who wouldn't be excited for Apple pie.

Monday night I made Swiss Turkey Bundles for my husband and my self to enjoy for dinner. It was a little bit more complicated dish then I have been doing so I was a little nervous and asked Christopher stay close just in case I mess up. I am so thankful he was around I ended up needing a little help making the cheese sauce ( I have never done that before). after they came our of them oven we sat down to enjoy a wonderful meal. I recommend this dish because it is so good and once finish is tastes so amazing.

The following evening I made homemade Apple Pie, which included making my own pie crust, (My husband refuses to let me cut any corners.) I believe at my least favorite part about the entire experience was having to peel and de-seed the six apples that the recipe needed. I loved making the pastry, until I tried to roll it out without a rolling pin (BIG mistake). Originally I was making a covered Apple pie which turned in to a Lattice Pie top (Criss Cross). Add a little Vanilla ice cream and I was set. I am looking forward to the new and exciting recipes that the world holds for me next week.

Swiss Turkey Bundles - making 8 servings
8 dried lasagna noodles
1 beaten egg
2 cups ricotta cheese or cream-style cottage cheese, drained
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked Turkey or chicken
1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh tarragon or basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon or basil, crushed
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded process Swiss Cheese

1. Cook Lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again

2.Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl stir together egg, ricotta, turkey, and basil/tarragon

3. Grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside. To assemble bundles spread about 1/3 cup of filling over each Lasagna noodle. Starting from a short end, roll up Lasagna noodles. Place bundles seam side down in the prepared baking dish, set aside.

4. For sauce, in a medium saucepan belt butter. Stir in flour, mustard, slat, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Gradually add cheese, stirring until melted after each addition. Pour sauce over Lasagna bundles.

5. Cover and bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer lasagna bundles to dinner plates. Stir sauce in baking dish; spoon the sauce over the bundles.

347 CAL., 17 g. TOTAL FAT (8g SAT. FAT), 92 mg CHOL., 523 mg SODIUM, 22g CARBS., 25 g PRO.)

Home-made Apple Pie

Pastry:Two-Crust Pie (9 in)

2 cups all-purpose flour* or unbleached flour

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening

4 to 6 tablespoons cold water.

Apple Filling

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

dash of salt

6 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples

2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine

2 teaspoons water

1 tablespoon sugar

1. In a medium Bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is  is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).

2. Gather pastry into a ball and divide in half and shape into two flatten rounds on a lightly floured surface. Wrap flattened round pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry more flaky. If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling.

3. Roll pastry on lightly surface, using floured rolling pin, into circle 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch glass pie plate. Fold pastry into fourths and place in pie plate; or roll pastry loosely around rolling pin and transfer to pie plate. Unfold or unroll pastry and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side and being careful not to stretch pastry, which will cause it to shrink when baked.

4. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in apples. Spoon into pastry-lined pie plate. Cut butter into small pieces; sprinkle over apples. Cover with Top pastry that has slits in it; seal and flute.

5. Brush top crust with 2 teaspoons water; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Cover edge with 2- to 3- inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil for last 15 minutes of baking.

6.Bake at 425 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and jucie begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool on wire rack for at least 2 hours.

* if using self-rising flour, omit salt.

A night of Celebrating and A Day of Remembrancer

What a night!!! Yesterday was the celebration of the United States Marine Corps 235th birthday, which means we were at the Birthday Ball celebrating with fellow Marines and wonderful friends.  I was kind enough to let my husband drink his weight in alcohol (who is still in bed at this moment). Here are some of the better parts of the evening...

As I sit here sipping my coffee remembering the night, my thoughts also travel to the significances of today, Veteran's Day. Today is the day we set aside and celebrate the men and women, past and present, who have served for our country. Whether it is Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps, we need to celebrate the sacrifices they have made over the years; the wars they fought/fight, the families they have had to leave behind. I am thankful to have my Marine state side and by my side everyday and I know the day is coming when he will have to deploy. I am thankful for the love I am feeling today as people so there pride in their Country.

This video is of the Marines of POM singing the Marine Corps Hymn celebrating 235 years. Ooh Rah! (not the best video quality and nothing to really look at but I Love it and thought I would share)

Test and Trial Friday(Saturday)

I kind of cheated this week and did something extremely easy. My husband and I have me under weather and I did not want to something that required a lot of prep work. I made Cheesy Hot Dog  Crescent. WE enjoyed them with a small side of baked crinkle fries. I think I deserved some french fries after the week I have had. I did two different types of cheese, cheddar for myself and Pepper Jack for the wonderful hubby. I feel like I cheated this week with doing something so simple but at least I can add this recipe to my arsenal of kid friendly foods, whenever babies enter the Orr family.

Photo By Kraft Foods

Cheesy Hot Dog Crescents
One 8 pack of hot dogs
8 single slices of cheese
1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner roll

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 12 mins Servings: 8
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Cut lengthwise slits in franks to within 1/2 inch of ends; fill with Singles.
2. Wrap crescent triangles around franks. Place, slit-sides up, on baking sheet.
3. Bake 12 min. or until golden brown.

Calories: 300; Fat: 22g; Sat. Fat: 9g; CHOL: 40mg; Sodium: 830mg; Carbs: 14g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 9g

Tears of Sadness with Hope of Peace

Yesterday a part of my world was rocked. Late yesterday morning I received a phone call from my Dad, from the sound of his voice I knew something was wrong. As he spoke, I could hear the pain in his voice as he struggled to tell me that my Aunt Sharon (His sister) had passed away early that morning. Needless to say I was in shock, we all knew she was sick and had been for a while but I was not expecting to hear this news so soon.

My Aunt Sharon was born July 18, 1953. I hate that I lost contact with her for so many years and when we finally regained contact she was already sick. I know she had Alpha-1 related COPD/emphysema which slowed her down physically, as I remember she was bed ridden and lived her life through the world of Facebook. She called herself "the queen of simplicity; Master of the Mundane; or Champion of the Ordinary," but that was wrong Aunt Sharon was more than ordinary, she had a spirit that could brighten any room to me. Sick as she was she looked to the bright side and found a way to live. Given I know she got in some trouble with online shopping from time to time but I don't know how many smiles I have gotten from the Ecards she has sent me. She has touched so many lives.

I know she was loved by many and loved even more. I will miss her so much and I know that she is with me always. This is short and sweet, I love you Aunt Sharon. Heaven is celebrating having a new angel.

Aunt Sharon with Nick-the-Cat

Read my Lips.

I don't believe it!!!! Stupid Wii board says I gained back every pound I lost last week. I can't take it. I thought that I was doing so good. I kept to my diet, I am religiously working out. I should have lost more weight, NOT GAIN!!!!!

I am so frustrated right now I could put a hole in the wall (if only we weren't renting). And on top of that My online logger for weight, inches, and food diary is saying I don't exist any more so I can't see if I at least lost inches. What could have caused me to suck it up so badly this week.

This post may not make any sense but I can not stand how easily I got flustered by this set back. All well better luck next week...

Test and Trial Friday

This week I let my Husband pick the recipe I would try. Two weeks in a row I did a slow cooker recipe. A tip before I get started, If you have kids do not try to start this when they suddenly have the need to be clingy. Lily suddenly decided that she wanted to be held the entire time I prepped my ingredients. I throughly enjoyed our first ever CHOWDER!!!! next time I will make sure Lily will be down for a nap when I have to do prep work. I only got frustrated when I was finished and looked at my kitchen, talk about a scary scene. Thankfully I have an amazing husband who helped me clean it up since Lily had my hands full all afternoon.

Chicken, Potato, and Double-Corn Chowder
 1 bag (16oz) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
     (I chopped my own potatoes about four medium)
1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn, undrained
1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 medium onion , chopped (1/2 cup)
3 cups Cooked Chicken Breast
8 slices of crispy bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1.  In a 3 1/2- to 6- quart slower cooker, mix all ingredients except chicken.

2. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours (or on High heat for 3 to 4 hours) to develop Flavors.

3.Stir in 3 ups of Chicken, cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

1 Serving: CAL: 315 (CAL. FROM FAT 70); FAT 8g (SAT. FAT 3g); CHOL 15mg; CARBS. 55g (FIBER 5G); PROTEIN 11g

A year in Monterey

Wow I can't believe that Christopher and I have been in Monterey, California for just over a year. And what a roller coaster of ride has it been. This time last year I was so excited about moving into my apartment and sleeping on a air mattress and freezing very night because I was not use to the weather out here. I was also very sick and dreamed only of going home to Georgia (I was so miserable). Christopher and I were trying to get use to married life and the USMC Life all at once and some time it became just too much for me to handle and I cried myself to sleep. Our Language Program had not started yet and we were struggling to find the balance that now is the strength of our relationship.

Now a year later Christopher and I have finally gotten into our own married life groove. We still fight and have those moments that we just need to separate and breath but we are stronger together and a powerful couple. WE are almost finished with our language program and we have been told to prepare for a second. I don't know if I am excited for another language but I am looking forward to the rest for our lives together and what the USMC has in store for us next. I love my life.

2009

2010

Count Down Update

Alright another week has past and another weigh in has happened, kind of. I was not able to weigh myself this week because my Wii is was stupid so I wasn't able to get an actual weight (Hoping my husband will let be got buy a regular scale so I can avoid this issue every week.) Besides I really think the Wii Board measures me wrong anyways.

Test and Trial Friday

Okay I think it is time for me to try something new. Every Friday I am going to Post a New recipe that I tried during the week. I think it will help me to learn to cook better and not lean on the recipes I already know.... I think I will call it Test and Trial Friday. Wish me luck.

So this week I did try two new recipes but I am going to only share one. Last Sunday before grocery shopping my husband convinced me to try a slow cooker recipe, so we tried Pulled Jerk Pork Sandwiches. We loved it, best pulled pork I have ever made. The only down side was that I had to sit at the house all day smelling it. Lily and I spent a little time sitting on the porch to get away from the smell. I know the recipe was good because my neighbor Brandi ate faster than anyone at the table, which never happens. We had small salads, potato salad, and baked beans as sides.

Pulled Jerk Pork Sandwiches
2 1/2 lb pork boneless shoulder
1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (dry) - we used a mixture of Smoked Applewood seasoning, seasoning salt,Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder
1/4 teaspoon Thyme leaves
1 medium onion ( Chopped)
1 cup cola ( We used 2)
2 cup Barbecue Sauce
sandwich buns

Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 10hr 45min Makes 8 servings

1. Rub dry seasoning over pork and sprinkle with Thyme. Place pork in cooker with onion and cola.

2. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours

3. Remove pork from cooker; place on cutting board. Remove juices from cooker and reserve. Use forks to pull pork into shreds. Return pork to cooker. Stir in barbecue sauce and 1/2 cup of reserved juices. Increase heat setting to High. Cover and cook 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.

4. Spoon pork onto buns. In 2-quart saucepan, heat remaining juices to boiling; serve with sandwiches for dipping if desired.

Serving: CAL. 420 (From fat 125); FAT 14g (SAT. FAT 5g); CHOL. 65ml; SODIUM 900ml; CARBS 48g (FIBER 2g); PRO. 25g

Band Aids Don't Fix Everything

Why can't my heart ever be whole?

My Husband informed me today that there is no way we can afford to go home for Christmas. I think I may have died a little inside after hearing that. WE are not a couple who likes to ask for help and I know that I do not look forward to asking. He did say that he could send me home (alone) to see the Families but I don't think that will feel the same. I just want the ability to have everyone I love in one location.

I want to spend the holidays with Christopher because one day I know he will be on a deployment and I will have limited communications. I am trying to take advantage of this special gift. But a part of me really wants to see our families too. I am missing my Niece and nephews growing up, I am missing my mommy and daddy and my sister. Even as I sit here typing I break into tears thinking about how much I miss my family.

I also miss the love I feel when I am with my In laws. They are just as amazing as my own family. I feel just a welcome with them and I know that they love me. My sister in law is more of a blood sister to me now than ever before. She is amazing, her spirit keeps me strong knowing that She is a part of my life.

I wish there was a way that my heart could be whole again. Will it ever be whole again? I know that it continues to grow stronger but I never feel whole. Part of me is always missing. If I am with the Family, I will usually always be without my husband and if I am with my Husband I know that I am without our family. My heart is divided, between Georgia and California, and I don't have a strong enough band aid to keep it together. I am a person who loves to be in personal contact with the people I love and it just gets so hard to keep in touch when on separate by an entire country.

Well I guess that is it for now, I hope I cheer up soon. My emotions are all over my face and Christopher is picking up on to the pain I am feeling. Till Next time...

Trent, Ansley, William, and myself

Feels so great to finally have neighbors that we can get along with. This week another amazing military sign the lease to live in our apartment building. They will only be living here on the weekends for a while but they are pretty great. Also a new Army Guy moved in up stairs. I happy to say that I think Christopher has finally competition when playing the Wii. THis past Sunday we did a Cook out with the neighbors which was amazing. WE had Bar-b-cue ribs, baked beans cooked over hot coals, grilled corn on the cob and great potato salad. I personally did not get to eat very much of the meal because of the amount of starchy foods but I did get to enjoy a little bit of everything and loved it.

I did not loose any weight this week but I am okay with that since I did loose the inch in my waist and hips (plus I am a woman so I am bloated this week). i had a great first day of my new work out schedule and as soon as I get off here I will happily start Day Two.

Christopher and I will be once again Carving pumpkins this weekend since our first two decided to die last weekend. I was very proud of our first two, Motto Pumpkin and Goof Ball Pumpkin went every well together. Chris is also going to to a pumpkin carving contest this weekend or next ( can't remember)

Can you Guess who did which one?

I am so in love with how close to perfect my life is right now... I am so blessed. Thank you God for being present in my wonderful life that you gave me.

Sweet sweet Rain

This is going to be short and sweet but I was too excited to wait for more to write about. I did my first weight in today and I have lost one inch in my waist and hips!!!!! Everything else is the same but It shows that I am making progress. I can't believe I can see a change after one week of trying. I count calories, keep an exercise and nutrition log, and make sure I stay motivated. I can feel improvements in my bust... my pants don't exactly fit yet (but that is because I am a little bloated for being a woman with water weight) and the one bra that fits me is starting to feel too loose.

Another Amazing thing that is happening today is RAIN.... That's right actually rain in Monterey, California. I wish it was an actually storm with thunder and Lightening, but this works. I never thought I would be so happy to see rain.

Feeling Good to Motivate

Walk 3:14pm, October 14, 2010

Distance: 2.11 miles 

Time: 0:47:50 

Speed: 2.6 mph

** Posted from BiM Active

I have started to track my walks again and will be posting my performance afterwards (above). I hope this will help to keep me motivated. Any feed back would be great. I am not giving up this time not even my Plantar Fasciitis can keep me down. 

Today I feel the need to add a little more information about what Plantar Fasciitis is and how it affects my life.

Plantar fasciitis is irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (Plantar Fascia) that hold up the bones of the bottom of the foot. This Fascia can become inflamed and painful, making it more difficult to walk. The most common complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel. It is usually worst in the morning and may improve throughout the day. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull aching that improves with rest. Most people complain of increased heel pain after walking for a long period of time. This irritation caused me to completely stop walking for over a month. I could barely walk around my apartment, let alone down the street. But relieving the pain was a simple fix for me thankfully. I bought inserts for my less supportive shoes and Christopher surprised me by buying me a pair of reliable walking shoes. I always try to remember to to my leg stretches and take it slower if I start to feel any pain. This is not something that is not tolerable but I will have it for the rest of my life and if not properly taken care of could lead to surgery and limited mobility.

*** This information was provided by Google Health

The road we choose to travel

(I wrote this quickly so I would not be surprised if it has errors, but I had to get this out)

Today I am suddenly walking down memory land and thinking about where my life is now compared to a few years ago.

A few years ago I started my first year of College, every highschooler's dream But I let the freedom get to me. I cheated on a long time boyfriend with a guy who only saw me as an easy target and never wanted a relationship (though he promised me one). I didn't handle rejection well and was convinced I would one day win my ex back (HE is now my best friend so in the end I kind of did). During the duration of that year I was constantly drinking, blaming everyone else for my pain. Smoking was a big part of what I did too; if I had a bottle of alcohol in my hand I had a cigarette in the other. I also was dated around and had several rebound relationships (even though I said they weren't). I also had a roommate who made my life harder. We hated each other in the end because I decided to watch my own back and stop taking care of hers. After she threatened my life and we were done for good.
My life did not improve right out of that first year. I did transfer to a college closer to home. After I moved back in with my parents, I kept the same attitude from school. still hung around my ex hoping that he would rediscover that he loved me (never happened). I still drank with a cigarette in my hand. I lost the trust of my mother and my dad was clueless of everything I did. I still relied on my ’rebounds’ to comfort me. And I never went home.

I didn't know it then but God was at work in my life. I rekindled old friendships and found a church that I love dearly. I asked got into my heart on July 8, 2007 and was baptized a week later. Life was perfect as perfect can be.

I did hit another rough spot and it let to me drinking again and I tried dating after one guy broke my heart. But that's when Christopher came in to my life. We dated and hit rough spots. He left for boot camp and I fell in love. We got married and now we are the happiest.

Think what you want but I am happy everything happened because I believe some amazing things came out of it; I have made some amazing improvements in the past year and it is all thanks to God placing the right people in my Life, the people I know call my best friends. I gained a best friend who no one can ever take from me, I learned limits and where I didn’t want to be, and the best one of all I learned a little bit more about myself and I received the greatest gift ever, my husband. The love of my life.

New horizons and an update

So I have been falling behind on my blog posts but what can I say... nothing really going on that would produce and fun or interesting blog post from me. But I have been busy and that I am excited about. I started my new job last week and I am absolutely thrilled. I am now a daytime Nanny (AKA babysitter). Nanny sound so much cooler than babysitter to me.

Lily is a wonderful 4 month old little girl who loves to pose for the camera and believes she is more independent than she actually is. As I sit her typing she sleeps with her favorite pink baby doll and dreams of something beautiful.

Let's see what else is going on in my slight if not always boring life. I have once again gained weight but this is the last time I will do it. I have set my mind to a goal and I hope I can keep it. 20 pounds before my husband and I go home for Christmas this year. Think I can do it? I do and believing in myself is one thing I didn't have last time. I am tracking my progress every step of the way and I am determined to get healthy. The last doctors appointment/blood work scared me to much not to. I have never had to be on medication and now I have to take something every morning and I don't like it. My doctor said that I could be come Diabetic which is something I do not want or need.

I want to be as healthy as possible so that when we start our family I am ready and know that I will be fit enough to keep up with a child. SO far I feel stronger and more motivated to get out there and fight my battle with weight. I am not ashamed that I gained the weight but I do want to get it off as quickly (at a healthy pace) as possible.

Tree of Support

Some times hings are said, some feelings can be hurt hurt, and some people can be torn apart. I am not writing this post to comment on any particular incident or give my personal opinion. But I am bothered by what I hear and see women doing to each other. (I do include myself) I wanted to do something big, but I didn't know where to start. So I started at the beginning, The definition of what I believe support is...

Support is the ability to endure bravely or quietly, to keep from losing courage (to comfort), and to keep (something) going.

I cannot always be strong woman, its just not possible to be perfect. And I do not strive to be more than who I am. I like to be messy and imperfect and a good cry is always healthy. I know that I have the ability to be extremely passionate, what wife doesn't. (I believe that Marine wives have just as much, if not more pride for our military lives than our husbands sometimes.) Deployments, trainings, and everyday frustrations of the Marine Corps will have me at my wits end with my emotions soon enough. And I have always been someone who wears my emotions on my sleeve but never knows how to express them which causes me to become bitter and angry.

My original hope for this blog was that it would help me form a better understanding of my emotions and help guide newer wives through the tougher times. I am hoping that in my moments of emotional weakness that I will have other strong USMC women surrounding me, to life me up, and to support me when I fall.

I have never been more PROUD to be the wife of a Marine. I have never fit in so well with such a loving supportive... sisterhood. Our men have their brothers and I have my sisters. As Marine Wives our Lives are quickly thrust together and we are forced to create everlasting bonds. We have a formed an informal Sisterhood that is special and dear to only the Few and the Proud. USMC wives need each other for support, and share the love/hate relationship that is the Marines.

Sometimes there will be a difference of opinions, and when when it happens, I hope we will be able to remember that we all go through similar hard times (even if not at the same time), we all need to vent, and eventually someone will say something that could be taken wrong out of context or mistyped. And that is okay... all sisters fight, but the downer is that women do not find it to easy “Forgive and Forget,” or at least I do not.

I'm not only "Semper Fidelis" to my husband, but to all of you. That is why I want to start a Tree of Support. Each wife, girlfriend, or fiance I meet becomes a branch of my tree. I hope that as time goes on my tree will grow. I know that all things need a little TLC (tender, loving care) to grow and that is why I promise that every woman that I add to my tree will get my support whenever needed. I promise to hold you up when it gets a little to hard to handle alone. And I promise to answer when you call and will listen as long as you need me. I may not always understand but I can try.

I hope that my Tree continues to branch out and my wonderful sisters begin to create their own trees. I could never begin to name the women who have already touched my life. And to think it all started back at Boot Camp when we needed more support from each other than ever before. I thrived on the message boards and made countless friends that I will keep forever. But is does not end there. Now that I am living with my husband I have taken to married Military life like a duck to water but it was made easier by the incredible women in my area. (Ya'll know you are)

Day 28 & 29 Year and Lots of Years

This year has been a mix of comfort, new experiences, and amazing moments. Not many people can say they have had my year. In the past year I have gotten married, moved cross country, and experienced what motherhood may be like. Starting from last September I got married to the love of my life and we have been happily married since. In October we moved to Monterey, California for Christopher's Language Program. November was simple we enjoyed the 234^th birthday of the Marine Corps and the Thanksgiving Holiday. December we had the chance to go back to Georgia for a visit. January through April was not that exciting a few birthdays and couple night started which was the In May the In-laws visited and I went home with them to take care of my niece and nephew while my SIL was in the hospital 'cooking' Baby William. For the two months that I was at home I worked for my old boss at Cotton Woods Pool and had an amazing time teaching swim lessons. And then I moved back to California and I have been trying to get back in shape and ready for the next year

Which leads to my hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days....

I am happy to say that my hopes/dreams and plans for the next year are simple year so very exciting for me. My husband and I will move at least two more times once to Texas and the other is unknown either East Coast or West Coast. We also want to get a dog and would like to start our family. But other than that I pray that my husband and I stay healthy and safe.

Day 27: This Month

Okay So I have been a little absent this past weekend so I am going to pretend that never skipped a day and start with day 27.

The beginning of this month was wonderful. I had new neighbors move in to the Apartment building who are apart of the Marine Corps family right after I came home from spending time with my Georgia Family. We have helped them get comfortable and all moved in. Brandi has been a life saver in those boring moments that cause me to go crazy and get slightly depressed.

After the Hills were settled in their new apartment. We planned to take them in our truck to Ikea the best Adult playground I have ever known. I love Ikea and was looking forward to the getaway (its a good hour drive), but on our way there the truck started making a strange sound and all of a sudden it felt like something fell off the bottom of the truck. To make a long story short, the truck's rear differential fell off and was towed to a Dealership in Gilroy. They were kind enough to help us find someone who would do the work for less, so now our truck is still sitting at that Tuck Repair Shop. Its been an entire month since we have had our truck. Thankfully the Hill's have a vehicle and have been able to help us out.

Other things this month. I started my Walking challenge and I believe that I was doing great. I felt strong I was able to do longer distances until last week. It started Monday with the four mile walk around the bay. I ignored it because I wanted to push through any pain like my husband does. Now I am paying for it. I am waiting for my new coverage to start but I will be going to the doctor to have my foot looked at. The pain is getting too back to deal with on a daily bases that I am stuck on the couch a lot of my day now.

Not much else has happened this month but I am looking forward to the month of September to be even better than August.

Day 26: My week in great detail

Monday: Was absolutely beautiful so Brandi and I when on a four mile walk to enjoy the sunshine, then after lunch we returned to the beach to lay out and soak in the sunshine because we did not expect the beautiful weather to last.  After than we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with the Hill's. Before watching TV and heading to bed. I also finished Week One of my Tri Fit Challenge. I am on my way to a healthier me.

Tuesday: Yet another beautiful day which involved opening all the windows in the apartment and doing a complete scrub down of place I call home. And then when the boys got off work we all headed back to the beach to enjoy some more Sun and fun. We ordered in Mexican and enjoyed a little TV time together before heading of to bed for some cuddle session.

Wednesday: The sun did not want to stay around for a third day so I spent most of my time cleaning my kitchen. But that only happened after I woke up with a bloody nose, a dry throat with a cough, and dehydrated. After cleaning the kitchen I attacked an army of ants that had taken over pantry. But after that I made dinner for my husband and I, which was cold by the time my husband came home because his PT session ran late but it was still good.

Thursday: This day was written about in the last blog and I don't feel like double sharing.

Friday: Today has been a simple day. My husband was on a field trip with his class so I had the entire day to my self and took some need time to relax and drowned in some Grey's Anatomy and chocolate. I was a little let down that we did not get our truck back today so we are once again stranded for the weekend but I hope that does not ruin it.

Day 25: My day is detail.

Since I am writing the day after I can fill in more, but sadly nothing really happened with my day. I had my friend Kristen and her dog Gunny came over. Then the boys came home for lunch which followed with  a wonderful Baby shower for Kristen. then I napped and watch Project Runway and went to bed.  We ordered in pizza for dinner because neither Christopher nor I wanted to cook dinner. (we were lazy). Here are some pictures from the baby shower but other than that I have nothing to say about yesterday.

Day 24: Whatever Tickles my Fancy

Today I wanted to use my blog to share some of the photos I have taken while in Monterey. I do not claim to be a photographer, but to love to take pictures and sit down with photoshop and play. Some people may love my photos and some may hate them but I just love what I do.

Day 23: A YouTube Video

I believe this explains its self...

Walking Challenge Update

So I went over my three mile mark but I was enjoying the sunny day and the beach scene way too much to turn around early so I pressed on for an extra mile just to feel the ocean breeze against my skin. Looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow and maybe an even longer walk. Now on to finish my Tri Fit Challenge this evening and I will be all caught up. Go me! Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 281 ft Location: Pacific Grove, CA, Elev. Gain: -4 ft Date: 08/09/10 Up/Downhill: [+442/-446] Time: 11:25 AM Difficulty: 2.3 / 5.0 Weather: Cloudy 57 F temp; 81% humidity 57 F heat index; winds NW 5 mph Performance Distance: 3.00 miles Time: 1:11:23 Speed: 2.5 mph Pace: 24' 00 /mi Calories: 399 Map Elevation (ft) Speed (mph) Splits Mile Pace (min/mile) Speed (mph) Elevation Gain actual +/- avg actual +/- avg 1 23' 26 -0' 34 2.6 +0.1 -289 ft 2 22' 48 -1' 12 2.6 +0.1 +112 ft 3 26' 25 +2' 25 2.3 -0.2 +167 ft end ** ** ** ** ** ft Versus average of 2.5 mph ** Insufficient data to calculate this split

Posted from bimactive.com

Day 22: A website

Well picking a website was an easy decision for me. My father, Glenn M., has been a hike for several years and has hiked portions of the Appalachian trail for a few summers now. Some of my greatest memories with my dad are when we would go out into the woods and follow the creek just so we could see where it would take us. He has always been one of a kind and creates his own path. I love my daddy very much and wish I was closer to him but alas the Marine Corps has me on the other side of the country. A few years ago my dad decided that he wanted to start dehydrating his own food, which in turn was the start of his Website, The Backpacking Chef.

That's my Dad taking a dip

This website has dehydrated recipes for anytime of day for Hikers interested in eating different and need to lighten his or her load. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, and even Dessert, you name it my Dad has an idea for you. And if you have a good recipe you would like to share he has a place for that too. My dad also lends a few of his helpful menu planning tips with his fans.

Another great thing this website has is my Daddy's Trail Journal. It takes the readers though the days of his hikes and the experiences of being on the Appalachian Trail. This website was created by my dad's pure love for the outdoors and I believe anyone with an itch to get out should make a stop by my daddy's site and sign up for the free newsletter and check him out. I love him so much and wouldn't want him to change a thing. As my daddy would say Follow your hunger.

My Daddy and me at my wedding

Day 20 & 21 Hobbies and a recipe

Day 20
Why do I always have so much fun on the weekends? Doing two days in one again. My hobby is pretty simple and a joy for anyone who can hold a crayon. Who doesn't love to color. All my greatest memories. Here is a picture that i colored with my wonderful niece Ansley helped me color while I was home hanging out with the kids.  Can you guess who did which one?

Day 21
Once again I find my self combining days so this is the most recent recipe I tried by my self. I did mess it up a bit but it was an easy fix and my husband still ate it. The recipe comes from my Better Homes and Gardens Easy Everyday Cooking book.

Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

Nutrition information per serving: 331 cal., 9g total fat (2g sat. fat), 108 mg chol., 1,092 mg sodium, 37g carbo., 23g pro.

Ingredients
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound uncooked ground turkey
1/4 cup bottle sweet and sour sauce
4 canned pineapple rings
Shredded spinach
4 hamburger buns

In a medium bowl combine egg, bread crumbs, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add ground turkey; mix well Form into four 3/4inch patties.

Place patties on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 14 to 18 minutes or until done, turning once and brushing sweet-and-sour sauce the last 5 minutes of grilling. Meanwhile, place pineapple slices on grill rack. grill for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

To serve, place shredded spinach on the bottoms of buns. Top with hamburgers. Brush the burgers with sweet-and-sour sauce and top with pineapple slices.  Replace bun tops. Makes four servings.

This was mine. Pretty Good, right?

I also wanted to share that I successfully made three separate batches of muffins today; blueberry, banana, and strawberry/banana. I am so proud at how far I am coming with my cooking and baking abilities. Soon enough I will be kicking my husband completely out of the kitchen and I will be all on my own.

Strawberry/banana

Day 19: A talent of Mine

Okay this is my best talent. I have always loved to tie-dye. These are my most recent finished project. I have had a lot of babies enter my life recently (none of my own) and I wanted to do something for each of them. I know it may be a simple talent but it makes me happy and lately I have really need happy moments. I do not like to use gloves though. Tip: if you are just starting out with tie-dying where the gloves or your hands will look like mine always do.