We Know What You Are... You Are Peter Pan of the Dog World

We finally know what you are, Bentley dog.

Hubby and I adopted you on July 9 and you have brought joy into our lives ever since.

However, there has been something that we have been pondering. When we adopted you, they said you were a Shepherd/Lab mix. This perplexed us and everyone. You were approximately nine months old, when we brought you home and was nearly full grown. We pondered how could it be? Only 30 pounds and not very tall?

 

As time went on, we spent numerous days and days at the various dog parks in our city. We would meet dogs that would resemble our precious Bentley. All of the Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers had similar personality traits, but it didn't explain his size. Same thing, with the shepherd. It wasn't until we met dogs that were exact twin, we knew exactly what he was.

He is Shepherd and Retriever.

Except he is an Australian Shepherd and Flat Coated Retriever.

Both are high energy and playful dogs. These dogs are very attached to their owners, as you can see in the following photos:

Flat coated retrievers are known as "Peter Pan" of the dog world. Even as they grow older, they still keep that puppy personality. 

 

 

Aww...

What Do You Want Under Your Tree?

Wow, there is only 27 days until Christmas! Can you believe it? Where has this year gone? It has flown by! I have just started my Christmas shopping for the hubby. I am about a third of the way finished for him. I love shopping online. You don't have to drive, use gas, park your car, and the best is that you can avoid traffic and crowds. Plus, you can find some great deals that aren't available in the store.

I have put together a few things on my wishlist this year. It's going to be Christmas, before we know it!

 

1. Tabletop Cosmetic Spinning Organizer

2. Urban Decay Naked Eye Palette

3. Nikon SB-400 flash

4. Clarisonic Pink Plus

 

5. Steve Madden 'Intyce' boots in Cognac

6. Tripod for my Nikon D3000

7. Michael Kors watch

8. Hunter boots

 

9. Adele album

10. Sewing machine

11. iPad 2

What's on your Christmas wish list?

How We Spent Our Friday Night? 'Bodies Revealed' Exhibit

It's that time of year again...

Yesterday marked the day, where they light the large Christmas tree that is downtown in our city. Unlike last year, this year there was an outdoor ice skating rink. When we drove downtown, there were probably hundreds and hundreds of people, if not a thousand all crammed together. Hubby and I were there for the free carriage rides. We did it last year year and was so much fun! Last year though, it was in the 20s or 30s and hardly anyone was there. This year, it was in the 50s, so there was like a million people wanting the carriage rides. There was no one that we were going to stand in line and wait a couple of hours. 

So, we decided to late pay for our own carriage ride, when it is in December and has snowed and is colder. Instead of going home, we checked out the controversial Bodies Revealed exhibit.  I did not know anything about the controversy, until after attending. All in all, I thought it was extremely fascinating.

 

Warning: Sort of graphic pictures at the bottom of the post

The show's desciption: "A touring exhibit featuring carefully preserved specimens of the human body, showing how the body functions and the impact of disease and unhealthy lifestyles on the body. The exhibit pieces are in many cases in athletic poses, to allow viewers to better relate to what they are seeing. It takes visitors through a series of galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Many of the full-body specimens are dissected in vivid athletic poses, allowing visitors to relate to everyday activities. In addition, a multitude of organs are displayed to illustrate the damage that can result from over-eating, lack of exercise and smoking, and provides comparisons more powerful than any textbook could illustrate."

 

 The bodies in the exhibit have all been people, who have donated their bodies to science. It was so interesting. Some of the bodies had been sliced, so you can see what makes up the body. Other bodies, like mentioned above, you could see the muscles and tendons. It was so tempting to touch, but you can't! It is hard to believe that those are real people, or at least were, right in front you. It's like something you see if you were in medical school.

The exhibit did not allow any flash photography, but I found the following pictures online. The pictures do not really do it justice in comparison to being in person.

 

The exhibit features 12 full body specimen and 200 additional organs, including organs that were healthy, as well as those who had cancer. 

A skeleton perched on a bicycle as part of Bodies Revealed. Picture taken by David Perry.

Picture taken by David Perry

The arteries of the upper limb. Picture taken by David Perry

 

The vital organs of respiration, digestion, circulation and reproduction system. Picture taken by David Perry

Bones of the skull were exhibited. Picture taken by David Perry.

These cross sections show what MRI's "see" when they scan the human body. The section nearest the camera is the top of the head. Picture taken by David Perry.

This display of a body posed in a throwing motion to demonstrate how muscles work. Picture taken by David Perry.

Cross sections of a preserved body. Picture taken by Mark Copier.

Remember everything is real! There was much more to see, but these are all the pictures that I could find that truly captured some of the bodies and parts that were there. It's a traveling exhibit, so I would highly recommend seeing it, when it comes to your city!

Just Your Average Thanksgiving Post

I'm going to go ahead and be like everyone else and post their Thanksgiving updates. This will just be one of many in the sea of "Thanksgiving posts." This is the third Thanksgiving that hubby and I have celebrated. The first two were as a dating couple, but this is our first one as a married couple.

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Tuesday, since hubby's dad had to work. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner. So yummy. I can't wait until Christmas, so we can have it again.

On Thanksgiving Day, we all went out to eat. It was so crowded. About a 1.5 hour wait. Luckily, we only waited 45 minutes. I'm probably the most impatient person ever. Just kidding. No, really though, I hate waiting. All the other restaurants (the ones that required reservations) were all booked and were not accepting any.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is over. Christmas is right around the corner. Since Thanksgiving is officially over, it is only right to go buy a Christmas tree. Only 30 days until Christmas, and I have not bought the first present. Oops! I am not going to go anywhere near the mall. That place is crazy. My favorite place to buy presents? Online and then expedite the shipping. You get to be comfortable, avoid crazy crowds, don't have to drive, etc. All in all, perfect. I did it last year, and will likely do it again.

Since I never finished, "I'm thankful" list, here it goes. I originally planned to do something I'm thankful for day by day, but now here is just another list:

-My husband

-My doggie, Bentley

-Family

-Friends

-Being able to graduate with my master's degree in December

-Days off from work

-Did I mention days off from work?

-You guessed it, days off from work

-My DVR. I would never be able to watch my shows without it
-Music
-Health
-My car. Gets me from Point A to Point B.
-My phone. Don't know what I would do without it.
-My camera.
-Vacations and roadtrips.
-Free time
-Food
 
I know there's more, but I'm going to stop there. I have been thinking so much lately, so it's kind of nice to relax and not do much of anything. If only this could continue...

Sigh.

I'm [blank] because...

Wow, I can't believe that I have only blogged fifteen times this entire month? Fifteen times, seriously? I thought that once school was over that I would have time to blog and catch up on blogs. Wrong. Last year, I did not do much better with a whopping twenty-four times in a month. In 2006-2009, the numbers were ridiculously low, so they aren't worth mentioning. I know to some that fifteen may be a lot to blog within a blog. I just want to be able to blog everyday, or at least four or five times a week. I want to make sure I capture all my memories and thoughts, so my blog will be complete, when I make blog book #2. I try so hard to come up with ideas on the weekends to prepare my blog for the week. That's always the time when I can't think of anything. Perfect.

I've seen this float around in blog land for awhile. I start to post it, but then I erase it, and then come back to it. I am guessing the idea originated on Little Miss Momma's blog, so I am giving credit to her.

I’m weird because…

I eat the same foods just about everyday or at least the same types of food.

I get angry over the littiest things.

I don't like sleeping in complete darkness. 

I would rather text than call.

I hate showers. I would much rather than baths.

I won't go anywhere without any makeup on.

If I have to be somewhere, I must be there at least 30 minutes early or I'll panic.

I'll get dressed up, even if I go through the drive-thru (not dressy, but just care about matching my outfit).

I love a clean house, but hate cleaning.

Someties I order stuff, just so I can have a package delivered to my house. 

I never finish my diet coke, before asking for a refill (i don't drink the bottom for some reason).

Every french fry must be eaten individually.

Sundays are my least favorite day of the week, even though it is one of my days off.

I hate wearing shoes in the house.

Everything the television is on, I never pay attention to it (even though it may be something I want to watch)

I never try clothes on before I buy them.

I’m a bad friend because…

Sometimes it will take me a long time to respond to emails (Sorry blog friends!)

I hate voicemail.

I have trouble committing to activities (sometimes), because I don't know what my mood will be like in the future.

I tell the truth.

I’m a good friend because…

I'll be there until the end.

I'll make you laugh.

I'll do just about anything for you.

I'll encourage you, as well as cheer you up when you are sad.

I'll keep your secrets.

I'll be myself.

I’m sad because…

  I have to work on my day off.

The weekends go by way too fast.

I still haven't found the time or energy to organize everything.

I haven't started my Christmas shopping.

I haven't received any "news" yet.

I spend way too much time worrying, instead of focusing on the positive and being happy.

I’m excited for...

Days off work.

More days off work.

Free carriage rides.

Trips to Tennessee.

Graduation and the pinning ceremony.

Graduating with my master's degee

Ice Skating.

Snow.

Celebrating our first Christmas as a married couple.

New Year's 2011!

 

I'm a Military Wife In a Civilian World

I saw this idea on Julie's blog, Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life, and figured I would join in on the fun.

december 2010. i use this picture for everything, regarding the military. i need to get an updated pic lol. i might have went overboard with blurring out stuff, but you can never be too safe. i also edited it a year ago and just kept the same one.

1. How did you and your spouse meet?
You want the short story? We met through my ex boyfriend's friend.

2. How old were you when you two met? 
I was 23, he was 20.
  
3. How long have you been together? 
Our first date was July 13, 2009. We got engaged on December 24, 2010, and were married on June 11, 2011.

4. Where are you and your spouse originally from? 
I am from a small town in Kentucky, and hubby is originally from Los Angeles, California.

5. How did you feel about him joining the military?
He was already in the military, when we met. 

6. Where did your spouse go to Basic Training? 
Fort Sill.

7. Has your spouse ever been deployed?
Not yet. 

8. Ever been to his promotion ceremony? 
 No, hopefully I will get to go to his next one.

January 2011. I blurred out any identifying information.

9. How long have you been a military wife?
Five months. We got married on June 11, 2011.

10. Did you marry him before or after he joined?
After.

11. How did your husband propose?
The whole story

12. Where did you get married? 
 In the city, where we live. The ceremony was outside in the garden area, and the reception was inside the 1800s mansion.

13. How old were you two when you got married? 
I was 25 and he was 22.

14. Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day? 
No.

15. Where are you and your spouse currently stationed?
We aren't stationed anywhere. He is in the National Guard on active duty orders. He doesn't have a civilian job, because he works for the Guard full-time, so he gets to wear an uniform everyday to work :)

16. Do you live on base? 
No.

17. How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation?
We have not went through any separations like a deployment. When we were dating and engaged, we went through separations like 2-4 days a month (depending on where he needed to go and if it was an overnight trip), plus for AT and WLC and additional trainings, schools, etc. Since we have been married (June 2011), we were separated for two weeks, while he was at Annual Training (AT).

18. What is your favorite base so far?
N/A

19. Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform? 
Yes!

20. Do you think military life is more advanced than civilian life? 
 I don't know how to answer this question. I am a military wife in a civilian world.

21. Do you like the benefits you receive as a military dependent? 
Yes. BAH, Tricare, etc are so helpful. Plus, the military discounts are a pretty nice bonus!

22. Do you have a lot of military wife friends? 
 In real life, I have a few, but we were friends before we got married or even met our military men. On my blog, I have tons and tons of military wives.

23. What is the hardest part of the military life? 
Even though I have not been through one yet, I am going to say, deployments.

24. Do you own military wife stuff?
No. I just own this shirt, which I bought while we were dating (back in  February 2010. We were dating seven months at the time).

and this magnet

25. Do you support your spouse as a member of the military? 
Of course!


IF YOU’RE A MILITARY SPOUSE, TAG YOU’RE IT.

Keeping Everything Into Perspective

As many may or may not know, this past Saturday, I finished my last (weekend) graduate school class ever. As graduation draws nearer and nearer, my restlessness and patience is wearing thin. Also, my hopelessness is in full force. It is really hard to try to stay positive. I am just at the point. My breaking point that is. No, I am not worried about the future. Just my sanity. I am tired of being unhappy. I know that perception is reality. Some days are better others, which I try to be upbeat at all times. I can't and I don't like my worries get the best of me. I know that worrying does not get anyone anywhere. 

 

I put these "unhappy" feelings aside to the best of my ability, and know that I have lots of things to be truly happy about. 

 

Such as:

my handsome hubby

my sweet doggie, bentley

no more classes!

Putting things into perspectives...

I know that I will be happy.

I know that things will change.

I know that I live up to my potential.

I know that when one door closes, another opens.

I know nothing can change me, unless I let it.

I know that I have a pretty good life (if I do say so myself), I just need to not let the "little" things bother me.

I know that with each day, I am getting closer to where I want to be.

One day, I will get there.

And that will be soon.

I cannot wait.

 

 

I just have to remember to keep everything into perspective.

The Moment That I Have Been Waiting For, Finally Happened...

Today, at approximately 2pm EST, I just completed my last weekend graduate school class ever. This is the moment that I have been waiting for since January 2010. I am now able to get half of my life back. I am now able to be a little bit more happy. I no longer have to worry about tests, papers, presentations, projects, or any other type of assignment.

Since my classes are over, I only have two more internship classes, and then it will be officially over! What does all that mean? In 21 days, I will be walking across the stage getting my master's degree!

Source: melonsbeadsandwillowtrees.blogspot.com via Alexis on Pinterest

Perfect Timing

My hubby had been gone since Tuesday morning for army training. I expected him back late Friday night, but I got a text from him yesterday stating that he would be back possibly around 10pm or 11pm. I didn't get home until after 7:30pm. Super lame. I was sitting at home with my Bentley dog, eating my Baconzilla from Rally's, and catching up on twitter. 

I decided to text hubby at 7:55pm to ask if he was on his way.

Moments later, as in seconds, I hear something at the door.

My first thought was the kids in the neighborhood wanting me to bring Bentley outside, but then the lock started moving and the door opened.

It was hubby!

What perfect timing. 

I had just sent him a text and he immediately shows up. Are we on the same wavelength or what?

by

Ruffles: A Good Combination of Girly and Fun

button up: new york and company

black t-shirt: charlotte russe

jeans: buffalo david bitton

watch: la mer collections

Let me just say that last week was crazy. I am so happy that it is over and behind me. I can honestly say that I never want to go through that again. On Monday, I had to take the exit exam for my program in graduate school I was also in the process of putting together one of my final projects for graduate school. Last Friday night, after class, I just wanted to go to bed. First, hubby and I went to Applebee's for Veteran's Day (which is also the day where we have been married for five months). As soon as we came back, I went to bed, even though I had a paper due the next day. As much as I wanted to be finished before class was over, I knew that would not be possible. The paper was due at 11pm, and I was about 50% finished with it. So, after class on Saturday, I worked on it and was able to turn it in on time. Thank goodness! Sadly, about an hour after I turned it in, which was around 11:30pm, we went to bed. So much for relaxing on Saturday.

This past Sunday, I just laid around and watched our DVR. It was almost at 100%, so obviously I had to clear some space up. I haven't watched Grey's Anatomy,  Hart of Dixie, or The Ringer in over a month. Needless to say, I have a lot of catching up to do.

What is good about last week being over with? Another graduate school class is over with. That was probably the hardest class out of all the ones I have taken. I just hope I at least get a B. Now, I only have to attend class this coming weekend on Friday and Saturday, in addition to two internship classes. After that, I'll be graduating with my M.Ed! What stands between my way is one group project, one exam, and one summary paper. 

Only 4 days until no more classes on the weekends! 

This is something that I have been looking forward to for the past two years. 

Only 25 days until graduation!

Hopefully, after this week, I will have more time to blog daily and to keep up with everyone's blogs that I follow. This week, I'm going to try to respond to the comments that have been left from the past couple of weeks. Just bare with me!

What Time Is It? Time For You to Get a Watch

My wrists are so incredibly small. Probably a wee bit smaller than a hair band. Needless to say that I have never been a watch person. Any watch that I've had in the past did not really fit, and it just felt awkward to me. Around last year, I bought an inexpensive watch from New York & Company, which I really liked. I still only wore it occasionally. For over a year, I have been dying for a white Michael Kors watch. Hopefully, for Christmas hubby will get me one, or at least for graduating with my master's degree.

In addition to the Michael Kors watch that I have been lusting after for forever, I have been also loving the wrap watch look a la La Mer Collections. I absolutely love these watches, especially the ones with the chains and charms. I'll first show you these amazing watches, and then I'll show you which one I purchased. Look how amazing these are!

Coral Gold Tokyo Crystal Chain Wrap $175 (my favorite)

St. Germain Crystal Chain $175

EXCLUSIVE - Nude Gold Egyptian Chain Wrap $120

Yellow Patent Gold Glam Chain $110

Nude Gold Heart Chain Wrap $120

Crystal Plum Eggplant Wrap $165

Teal Washed - Silver Vintage Double Chain Wrap $110

Less than two weeks ago, I found an amazing deal with ideeli (a site like Rue La La and HauteLook). Around 50% of the retail price, so I decided to purchase my very own. Since I was late purchasing mine (the shop had already been open a few ours), my top faves had already been purchased. I could not pass a deal this great up. So, I found one that I liked, added it to my cart, and waited for it to be shipped.

It arrived  last Thursday and I could not be happier!

Something kind of odd...

The first picture was a screenshot that I took with my phone. It was just a stock photo from the website. The second picture was taken by me (obviously) wearing it. I didn't notice this until I was making this collage, but look at the time...

It is the almost the exact same, but just off by a couple of seconds. Weird. What a zany coincidence!

My First Veteran's Day as a Milspouse

via

This is my third Veteran's Day with my soldier, but my first Veteran's Day as a military spouse. 

It's amazing to see the support of the military with the restaurants and just people in general. I remember when the only restaurants giving out free meals were Applebees and Golden Corral. Now, it seems like everybody has something to offer. Even with people in the community, have been supportive. A stranger putting toward hubby's book at the bookstore, the manager paying for hubby's food, and another stranger in the drive-thru paying for our food.  

People do care and they are out there.

I just hope people remember the true meaning of Veteran's Day, because I feel that some may think of it as a day off from school or work or a shopping day. It shouldn't be about that. It should be about honoring the military, its troops, and veterans.

picture is from january 2011

I am sure of all you milspouses have seen this, but if you haven't, here's a list of places offering free meals and discounts: 2011 Veteran's Day Free Meals and Discounts

10 Days: When I'll Get Half My Life Back

10 days.

1 week. 3 days. 8 hours. 54 minutes.

248 hours. 54 minutes.

14, 934 minutes.

896, 040 seconds. 

Not like I am counting or anything. 

The only other thing standing my way is 3 assignments and one test.

Can we fast forward to November 19?

Or at least until November 12 at 4pm? 

 I am so over it.

November 19.

The day I'll get half my life back.

The day I'll no longer have to do any assignments ever again.

The day I'll be closer to be happy.

The day I'll to wait for graduation.

The day I'll be able to start to spend more time with my husband.

The day I'll have my weekends back for good.

The day I'll get to start organizing the house. (I moved in nine months ago).

The day I'll can do all the craft projects that I want.

The day I'll get to finish my photo books for the wedding. (Again, I started on it four months ago).

The day I'll no longer have to wake up early on Saturday. Only if I want to!

The day that will allow me to start the next chapter in my life.

The day where I can concentrate on what to do for the holidays.

The day where I can make the cherry pie that I have been planning to make for months.

The day when I'll be able to read blogs again. (Sorry, I especially be MIA this week. This makes me sad).

The day that can't come soon enough.

Thank You. Thank You. And Thank You.

I have seen this around quite a few blogs; the 30 Days of Thanks. With all that is going on, it might be nice to try document and find something good in every day, when it feels as if there is nothing.

November 1: 

New beginnings

November 2: 

The Baconzilla at Rallys (for the east coasters. Checkers for the west coasters). Omg. It is so delicious. So cheesy and so much bacon.

 

November 3:  

Online shopping. I am a member of Rue La La, Ideeli, Beyond the Rack, The Outnet, Haute Look, Bluefly, and there's probably others. I was able to get a La Mer wrap watch 50% off.

 

November 4: 

Seriously. One of the worst days ever. I was so glad that it was over. I was also thankful for having good friends, who let me vent and are on my side.

 

November 5: 

My hubby got hit by a drunk driver at 4pm. So glad that he is okay! (Thanks to those who left messages, tweets, and comments on my last post).

November 6:

So glad that we get a "another hour." Daylight Savings Time!

 

November 7: 

Taking the day off. Thank God!