Five on Friday #20/ Little Notes #10

UNO

Dear Mike,

Between you and Jack (Skelllington), you are the most helpful boys in my life.  Your dedication to my beverage problems are appreciated.  You understand just how much of anything I might need and you hold it without fail.  I love you.

Mike is pictured here with a delightful serving of peanut butter frozen hot chocolate

DOS

Dear 5 day work week,

You are overrated.  I'd rather stick to a 3 day work week or even a 4 day work week if we're really stretching it.  Next weekend is looking like a 4.5ish day weekend for Memorial Day and I'll totally take that.  Work really hasn't been that difficult this week, but it's stayed pretty busy for most of the days this week, and I'm totally over it.  Except for the part where I chat with my coworkers about sarcasm and cause LCDRs to choke on their lunch and get my resume reviewed by coworkers and LT's ask me questions in the form of Pocahontas lyrics.

TRES

I'm grateful for air conditioning and fans.  We didn't have AC at the house until Tuesday, and when I watched the thermostat go UP in temp when the AC was supposed to be running, I was NOT impressed.  I think the max temp it got downstairs was 81°F, which means that it was probably 85­°F+ upstairs since it's always warmer upstairs.  Teh MD Roomie purchased some fans, which really helped as much as possible.

Speaking of fans and no AC.  The gym on base is an old hangar and I'm not sure it's air conditioned in the main spaces where the workout machines currently are (the basketball courts) and there are a limited number of fans and when its over 90°F outside and the humidity is 90 million percent it's really just not smart to be there.  I was pretty sure I was dying that day.  Since it's cooled down about 10° that definitely helped.  I like to consider it extra water weight lost.  #healthychoicesmightkillme

QUATRO

Ridiculous hashtags make me giggle.  I know that lots of people don't appreciate hashtags, but after watching the Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake hashtag video, it's hiiiiiiilarious.  Ok maybe I'm the only one that thinks I'm it's funny.

CINCO

It's going to be a busy weekend!  Social gathering at the bar with the dogs tonight (unless it rains), the GEGR picnic on Saturday, then Sunday is The Color Run in DC!!!  (and Chinese from the place from last week!!)

We're coming!!!!

Linking up with these ladies since it's FRRRIIIIIDAY:

Five on Friday #15/Little Notes #9

UNO - Dear food,

I'm sorry for our relationship lately.  I know we're not as close as we used to be, but maybe that's a good thing?  I mean, its kind of embarassing really.  I'm afraid to go out to restaurants with other people because they will experience just how little I eat and I'm afraid they will get concerned.  It's not you, it's me.  On the other hand, watching the scale go down 10 lbs in the last month or so has been very delightful.  Can I get 10 more?


DOS - Dear Upcoming Plans,

I really should be scheduling out the Disney World trip, I just haven't because the website is such a pain to use.  I should also call the tattoo place to put down a deposit for tattoos in April.  Oh and I should buy those tickets to the PostSecret event in Charlotte for April 22nd (PS, anyone wanna go with me?).  Oh yeah, and I should find a range in W.NC to test out some guns since I think I'm going to buy one.  (Did anyone else just catch all the redneck in that?  Tattoos and guns. /facepalm).


TRES - Dear DD-214,

You're coming.  I know it.  It's an extremely scary, extremely exciting thing.  On the one hand I feel like I'm giving up a good thing.  On the other hand, I know that I can do better.  Writing a resume is the scariest thing I've ever done.  I think no one in the Navy tells you to keep an up to date resume because that's how they get you to stay in.  It's not the benefits, no no.  It's the crippling fear of cover letter and resume writing that scares people into staying in. 

I think most of the fright is of the unknown.  Where will I work, what job will I do, where will I live?  Not being able to plan for those answers at this point is difficult for me because I'm a planner, dammit.  (Please see this for proof).


QUATRO - Dear Gentle Readers,

I'm not sure how many of you actually go to Teh Blog page to read my posts or if you use a feed reader or what have you (I don't judge.  I defintely use a feed reader that sometimes interferes with layouts, etc, so rarely do I visit actual blog sites), but I think I've finally figured out the design I like.  It only took months.  Having a dark background with colors and words and all the things becomes a difficult battle.  I was almost ready to hire someone to do a design overhaul since I was struggling.  I mean, Teh Blog is obviously not professionally done.  I don't have little hearts or birds or chevrons or special fonts for the text or headers.  But, I did it all by myself and its got squigglies!  I LOVE squigglies. 


CINCO - Dear Saturday,

I'm so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.  I really just hope Meri lets me sleep until at least 0630.  We'll see.  Last Saturday we slept until 7!  Hopefully I can get a walk in with the pups this afternoon, which will only help my cause.  If I'm a super slave driver, I'll make it a run and all the puppies will be so exhausted!


Goals:
-Clean the house!  The dogs keep tracking in mud (or that's what I'm saying it is) and the bathrooms are.. bathrooms.  The floor needs to be steam mopped (thank you Meri) and the rug could really use a cleaning (again, thank you Meri). 
-Pick up poop.  I hate this job more than cleaning bathrooms.
-Cook next week's lunch/dinners.
-Potentially head up to Annapolis to hit up the PA Dutch Market to get some coconut oil and delicious meats and whatever else I think of.




Linking up with these ladies since it's FRRRIIIIIDAY:

Five on Friday #12/Little Notes #8

Dear Gentle Readers,

The desire to blog has been at an all time low recently.  It's really not anything specific, just a lack of desire to share all the things and the general boringness that is currently taking place in my life.  Work days go something like this: workout?, go to work, come home from work, take Phil on a run, make dinner, sit on the couch with Teh Bear watching The Office, decide it's time for bed, find things to do on the internet for another hour, and finally go to bed.

Weekends have been equally boring, which has been alright with me.  After the business of the holidays, it is a much welcomed break.

Dear Phil,

You have been especially adorable this week.  I'm not sure if it's the threat of the new puppy or you've turned a new stone.  They say that each year can be different with a greyhound (or maybe its just dogs/pets in general?) and that has definitely happened this year.  It might have taken 2 years for you to come around, but that's ok with me.  Your sleeping on the couch and drooling on my favorite pillow has been so adorable I don't even try to relocate the blanket under you.  I feel bad for visitors that have to smell that, but you're just so comfortable and content that I don't even bother you.

The video I got of you playing makes me smile and I'm not even ashamed to over-share this video.

Teh Bear and I are taking you to donate blood today and I'm pretty hyped about it since we don't normally get to take you.  You're my favorite puppy-luppy ever (and don't listen to Teh Bear when he says that will change once the puppy gets here, I'll still love you no matter what, especially when the puppy is being annoying).

Dear work/week,

I anticipated last week was going to be difficult since it was the first full work week since the holiday period.  Oh, oh, how wrong I was.  This week has been almost unbearable.  Monday was fine, but Tuesday kept pretending to be Monday, and on Wednesday it should have just been Friday, Thursday still wasn't Friday, and now that it is finally Friday, I'm just exhausted and need a nap.

I've been making a steady effort at EAWS flashcards, I was voluntold from big Navy to apply for a Navy special project on Tuesday (no one has any idea what this special project is, which makes it pretty stressful for this control freak me), people are getting back into the swing of being at work so the office has been busy, busy, busy, in addition to the escort duties that we've had going on this week, it's been pretty non-stop.  Fortunately, we are off on Monday, but next week doesn't need to be more of the same, kthx.

Additionally, Teh Bear is absolutely, with the passion of 1000 suns, hating his MD job that I was so excited that he got finally.  He is currently looking for anything in S.MD so if anyone knows of any openings, feel free to let us know, because holy moly, his stress is stressing me out.

 

Dear Navy,

I'm not gonna lie, these last 5.2 years have been difficult.  In the last year, I've flopped from definitely getting out to probably staying in.  That is hard for me.  I was pretty sure I was done after 6 years, but now I'm not sure.  I was 88% sure that my JSOC denial meant that I was done with the Navy, or at least that's what I had told myself and other people.  But after I got that email that said (summarized), "We're sorry but going to VX-1 killed your career, go IA and apply again," I told people I was going to see what orders were available when my window opens since I was approved to stay in the Navy.  I keep giving you all the chances and it's scaring me.

On Tuesday, I was voluntold by Big Navy (meaning bigger than my command, but a message directly from DC) to apply for a CNO special project.  No one has any clue what this project is, but coming on the heels of the JSOC denial really makes me wonder what is going on.  I had to include a photo with this application package, so I took a day and "dated the Navy," to mean that I did my hair nice and wore not my blueberries (so they told me what to wear, whatevs) and I even put on make-up.  I won't hear back for "a few months" but here's hoping to at least finding out at some point what I applied for.

Additionally, this is during the honeymoon of finding out I'm actually getting to go to a class that I've wanted to attend since 2009.  I'm still waiting for the bottom to fall out, like with all things regarding the Navy, it can't be as good as it seems (like shore duty orders to Pax River, MD ruining my Navy career?).

P.S.  I took a very "professional-looking" photo, per the Command Master Chief.

Dear surprise snow,

At some point way earlier than alarm time Thursday morning, I thought I heard it raining.  I didn't really pay much attention and fell back asleep.  After my shower, while I was getting dressed, I thought something was wrong with Yurtle because she was discolored!  Then I realized it was snowing outside!  Big, fat, wet flakes plastered my face as I walked into work and my fingers were freezing, but it was totally worth it.  I took it as a good omen since I also submitted my special package application that same day.  Perspective, I haz it.

5 Goals

-Complete my EAWS this month (since I bought the uniform device already...)
-Try not to use the crock pot for every meal I make for the next week
-Have a date with Teh Bear this weekend since we are both off.
-Take Phil on a walk/run this weekend.
-Figure out when workout app I'm going to go with (since RunKeeper has definitely been a piece of shit recently)

5 Things

-I felt like I hadn't "really blogged" in a long time.  When I look back, maybe I did, but still.
-I feel lazy not taking any classes for 3 months, but I know its for the best, especially after the struggle that was November.
-I really want to hear back from this special project thing sooner rather than later.
-I'm very proud of myself for working out 2x some days this week.
-18 days till my birthday.  Amazon wishlist is available, but I'm also accepting cash donations to help pay for Samwise.

Happy Weekend, Gentle Readers.

Linking up with these ladies since it's FRRRIIIIIDAY:

Five on Friday #11/Little Notes #7

UNO

Dear Christmas,

I didn't tell anyone this until today when I finally came clean to Teh Bear, but I wasn't really feelin' you this year.  I was going through the motions hoping that I'd have a Christmas Spirit infusion from fakin' it till you make it, but it never really happened.  My favorite part of Christmas is everyone's reaction over what I got for them.  It's truly about giving for me.  When Teh Bear became absorbed in setting up his PS3 on Christmas day, I was completely ok with that because it meant that I had "done good."  Christmas wasn't rushed this year, so it wasn't that.  It was just.. me.  I heard that Teh Stepsister didn't like her MRE that I got her, but apparently that was a too soon for her since she's deploying soon.  Oops.  My sister thought her MRE was funny and I made sure to get her a no-meat one since she's crazy a no-meat-eater.  Despite being medically seperated from the Army in November, she thought the MRE was at least minimally amusing. 

Every year I tell myself I'm going to buy less and make more and every year I get caught up in buying all the things and fail.  There's just something overwhelming and scary about making something homemade in the kitchen and the mess it makes and knowing that someone doesn't really need 3 types of cookies and a container of peanut butter balls (which are apparently called buckeyes?) and whatever else.  But food keeps giving, you have people help you eat it because you know you already gained at least 5 pounds because of holiday eating (especially when your significant other declares that candy in the stocking is a tradition).

It wasn't until after I read Jamie's post that I realized that not being in the Christmas spirit is a thing, and its even acceptable.  Honestly, I was ready to take down the tree and put everything away before January 1st, but Teh Bear was still diggin' it so I didn't make that suggestion, and we were having a gathering on NYE, so I left well enough alone.

This morning we de-Christmas-ed the house.  The feeling of it all coming down and the house being normal again was a relief.  I'm not sure why.  Thursday night we actually removed all the ornaments from the tree and I wanted to take off the lights and garland and move the tree outside, but Teh Bear said no.  I was happy to vacuum up all the needles that were knocked off the tree during its expedition outside.  I did tell Teh Bear that if we had put the tree out last night, we could have put it in the middle of the front yard and it would have gotten snow on it and looked beautiful.  His loss.

Trees in the upstairs room on Christmas Eve

DOS

Dear snow,

I should have been more excited about you.  Really.  I'm sorry I wasn't.  This was probably my one opportunity of the year and I let it pass.  After all the disappointment of Pax River "snow", I've had to stop getting my hopes up and this is what happens, I just can't appreciate what I do get.  It probably goes hand in hand with that Christmas funk.  I should be all like, "WOOOO!!! 2014 and REAL snow on the 2nd day!"  But instead, I'm all like, "Rah, still have to go to work, ugh." 

I guess there was a piece of me that was excited this morning when I woke up.  I had forgotten to shut off my early alarm so it went off at 0619 and I called the base line to see if the base was open, was disappointed, and had to make the decision to go back to sleep or get up and check out the snow situation.  I checked out the snow situation and went back to bed.  I knew that if I didn't at least see all the undisturbed snow before the neighborhood kids treked through it, I'd be diappointed. 

In a state of rebellious dangerousness, I didn't even brush the snow off Yurtle when I drove into work.  I'm such a rebel.  It was such a pretty powder cloud behind me as I drove down the road, although I'm not sure the car behind me appreciated it much.  Meh.

TRES

Dear normal work week,

I'm not looking forward to you.  My hours have been minimal during the holiday stand down period (for the non-military a stand down is when there is a very significant lack of normal operations, for us it meant no flying for a period that included the holidays).  I kinda screwed myself by taking the afternoon shift the last 2 days because I had to work longer hours than I would have if I had just taken the morning shift, but I did get to sleep in, which was nice and this morning I didn't have to battle whatever road/driveway/traffic conditions that existed.  Also, there was productivity both mornings.  Thursday morning we went to the Amish Market in Annapolis (something I would never do before work again due to distance and traffic and UGH MD) and this morning we cleaned house. 

QUATRO

Dear "spring" cleaning,

I think we're getting a head start on you, which doesn't bother me one bit.  When I left for work Teh Bear was going through boxes in the spare room, which was a task that needed attention.  Hopefully by our powers combined, and with minimal resistance from my bad attitude, we can get that room sorted out and have more space for the rowing machine and other stuffs (like the 2 dining room chairs that are in the guest room).  If I was more trusting of the outside storage room's lack of critters and it wasn't already crammed full of crap, making it mostly useless except for the first 3 feet where the weedeater, rake, poop shovel, and Phil's swimming pool are, I'd put more boxes outside.  I do have some of the plastic foot lockers so maybe those can go outside?  Space saving is hard work.

CINCO

Dear Teh Blog,

Sorry I neglect you.  I started this post on Friday and then work got crazy and then I went home and my OCD cleaning took over and I rearranged everything in the guest room and spare room to make more space to put away the Christmas decorations.  Now I just need to get a ladder so Teh Bear can put the empty boxes in the attic (or in the unorganized storage outside (which will remain that way until its at least above 50° outside)).  Yay for a surprise Saturday post instead?

Phil approves.

Little Notes #6

Dear Teh Bear,
On Sunday, I came home from church and you had: emptied the dishwasher, put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, vacuumed upstairs AND downstairs, AND gave Phil a bath.  THEN, you suggested going out for lunch instead of eating leftovers or making something.  THEN, we went and ran errands and YOU did the fetching of items while I stood guard over the buggy (yes, the buggy).  You're #1 in my book, even if you think there are "shopping carts" at stores.

This is my "they are NOT called 'shopping carts'" face.

Dear Airplay thingy+speakers+Teh Bear's iTunes,
I really enjoy how much boom the muzaks in my living room have now.  It's pretty much a jam session all the time now.  But really the most appreciation goes to Teh Bear for setting up his airplay, despite the complications.  So maybe part of it was self-serving, Teh Bear almost always has muzaks on, buttttt I've benefitted too.  Sunday, I got to listen to the new OneRepublic album, start to finish, on not-laptop speakers while I was putting away all the items from our errands.

Dear OneRepublic,
Between you and Lifehouse, it's a contest who I could listen to on repeat for longer.  When Teh Bear turned you off, I was legitimately disappointed.  I later realized that he could have played his video game with the music still playing, but I'll save that point for another day.

Dear Downy Orchid Allure fabric softener,
Since GTMO we've been BFFs.  There was that time in Bahrain where I had to use other stuff, but as soon as I could find you again, we were tighter than ever before.  After looking at 2 stores, you were not to be found.  I was so disappointed.  Truly.  Pouty face and everything.  This time I went with Snuggle's Wild Orchid and Vanilla, which Teh Bear helped pick out, so I guess it worked out.  PS.  I already miss you.

:(

Dear Walmart,
I hadn't been into your local store in months and it was delightful.  I didn't miss the long checkout lines, the being out of items I need, etc...  Yet, you proved people shop there for a reason...  Walmart has all the things!  Dishwasher magnet that displays clean/dirty, a key duplicator (which they didn't actually have my key, so this doesn't really count), cheap ironing boards, a puncture can opener.. the list could probably go on.  The other beneficial part of going to Walmart is getting to see S.MD's finest..  Just driving through the parking lot we were privy to a woman's thong.  Coming out of the parking lot.. I found this:

Really?

Dear cupcakes in ice cream cones,
You are infinitely cuter and more delicious than normal cupcakes.  Make it funfetti cake and it's like an ice cream party but not in my mouth.  Also, you are way less mess than regular cupcakes..  Usually.  I brought you to two events this weekend.  I feel like it was my last summer cooking hoorah.

Teh Bear picked chocolate icing over purple icing.
I was disappointed, but since I had asked him, I went with his choice.

Dear pumpkin spice lattes,
Y U NO HERE YET?????

Dear last Friday night guests,
It was really great having you all over!  Even if the girls lost at Cranium..  Next time we're playing a game I can definitely win.

Dear yard pumpkins,
I see you out there, turning orange!  Teh Bear says we can't eat you because of all the doggy "waste".. but doesn't that make you organic pumpkins?  Especially after how much I pay for Phil's food.. you'd think that kind of "manure" would the best kind.  IDK.  Even if there is no homemade pumpkin pie at Teh Megan's house OUR house, we'll at least have home grown pumpkins to decorate for Halloween!

That vine is out.of.control.  I'm going to be very excited to finally get it out of my yard.
My landlord was quite impressed by it though!

Dear S.MD,
I've actually been here long enough that often when I go to town, I seem to recognize someone I know.  It's strange and cool at the same time.

Dear Cards Against Humanity,
I love how hilarious you are, but I wish that we weren't always so into the game your players make silent agreements to go through the ENTIRE box PLUS 2 expansions in one night...  Holy moly.

Dear Teh Bear,
We're almost 2 weeks in and I'm still glad you're here.  That's a good sign, right?

Five on Friday #2

Dear Friday,
I never thought you would get here.  Maybe it's that this week it was July AND August and that kinda threw me.  Maybe it was the fact that I was totally over July due to it's 4.5 weeks (ain't nobody got time for that).  Maybe I just want it to be August 14th already (the day I'm flying down to Orlando to fetch Teh Bear)?  Maybe its because I had anticipated Teh Sister being here through the week and she wasn't.  Nonetheless, damn I'm glad you're here.  BFFs, k?

Dear phone,
I hate when you outshine my other electronics because so often you disappoint me.  Like this morning when we went on our first run together and you showed me that my iTouch is actually a piece of crap and that I'm actually waaaaayyyyy better at running than I evvvvvvvvvver thought was possible.  I mean, I thought I just got out there and did my thing and told myself "I'm lapping all those people on the couch!"  I tried not to care about pace and steps and calories and distance and stuff.  And then I had to start caring and that's just been an uphill battle.  But, phone, I think with your help, the war is over.  I finally have a peace treaty.  You + RunKeeper + Slacker Radio BPM workout station - Phil = 10:34 min/mile pace.  If I wouldn't have walked that one part, I bet it could have been even better.  But you know what, always gotta leave room for improvement.

Dear iTouch,
Despite my love and devotion for you, you've burned me.  You tried to tell me that I was walking when I was running and at a 20 minute mile pace at that!  You cut me deep, iTouch, you cut me deep.  I was a little sad this morning when I left you in the car, but it was worth it in the end.  You'll always be there for my long car trips and maybe one day before the year ends (can't set my goals too lofty) I'll put new musics on you, maybe.

Dear Weekend,
You don't even know how glad I am you're here.  Even if I have watch on Sunday, I don't even care.  Something about the prospect of sleeping in on Saturday morning, or at least no alarm clock going off at 0521 to give me the option to get up and workout, is going to be deeeeelightful.  The real question for the weekend is, am I going to clean or am I going to wait till NEXT weekend?

Dear Week,
You've actually not been so bad.  There have definitely been infuriating parts, like when we tried to go to lunch Wednesday and waited over 30 minutes on our food from Noodles and Company and eventually just got a refund and went back to Mission BBQ, where we had left to begin with because the line was too long, or when another important computer bit the dust in the office, or when it was confirmed that my FMV class for the end of August was definitely not getting funded, or when my Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) was turned down by my Chief because my time in Bahrain was "weak" for volunteer work and the instruction says "continued service" despite having volunteered over THREE THOUSAND (3000 just wasn't strong enough) hours in the last year and a half since being in America.  While he understands that there were limited opportunities in Bahrain, it still doesn't show "continued service", but I should definitely be able to get it before I leave VX-1.......................  Ok, Week, you've been pretty shitty, I'm glad your time is over.  Next week let's get it together, eh?

 

Extra!

Dear Teh Bear,
Despite your lack of outward stress about this impending relocation, its still a big deal and you don't have to be all "cool guy" about it (I refuse to use the term "Joe Cool" for you, you know why).  Or maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of this than necessary, which is perfectly normal for me.  Nonetheless, I'm excited you're coming, coupled with a sense of dread about having to refine all my bad habits like...  yeah, I don't have bad habits, ha!  Ok, maybe I'll try to be better about cleaning the bathrooms.  I'll also try to be better about not parking in both parking spots so you have a place to park Lionel Richie.  I call dibs on the NOT under the tree spot, but I'd be willing to share on like an every other week rotation maybe.  We'll see.  I also promise to try not to fill your free time with all the activities and people.  I can also promise that I will not eat the last of "your" cereal, if you have one eventually.  I promise to at least listen, maybe even consider, your opinion on the layout of the living room/other spaces.  I promise that Philbo-Baggy-Pants will love you more than me if you feed him and take him on walks and maybe give him treats sometimes, the way to his heart is through his stomach for sure.

I'm excited about our east coast excursion and I plan to bring my earplugs so I can endure that weird stuff you listen to by sleeping through it.  13 days!

Moving again....

The process of moving is often a "cleansing" ritual for me.  Yes, I can call it a ritual as I usually move every year-ish.  This time it will have been 15 months, but eh, who's counting.  What this really means.. LETTERS TO MY STUFF!!!

Dear books,
I love you.  You will always have a place in my heart.  But, lets be honest.  I've been lugging you around for years now and rarely do I re-read you.  Some of you have been lucky enough to have the dust wiped from your cover (and inducing my allergic fits) and your spines cracked for some good time page fingering from me.  Most of you.. haven't.  And now, Nook in hand (but don't blame Nook for these things (yes I might have just named the Nook, Nook... I know, I'm clever)), I feel empowered enough to say..

Here is your eviction notice.

I'd like to profit off of you and sell some of you, but I doubt that will happen since most of these books are chick-lit or other random books.  I considered making a list of all the books I'm getting rid of to see if anyone would buy them for maybe a few dollars (really just enough to pay for shipping), but I'm not sure if I'm willing to go through that much effort so close to moving time.

Some of you have seen my tears, I'ma need you to take that with you to the grave, mmkthx.  Some of you have been with me since high school.. a few of you even before that (I'm lookin' at you Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 1, 2, 3, and journal).  Some of you came to me during the time of the Ex-fiance.  Some of you helped me through the Ex-fiance.  Some of you never got opened (yay free books!).  Some of you have thrilled me and urged me to finish your series.  Others of you crushed me with your repetition (looking at you Nicholas Sparks books).

It is with a heavy heart I say you must go.  I feel like it's time to reclaim some bookcase and for you to go out into the world and find new homes.  Maybe you can whisper to the Gentle Readers that you range from Nicholas Sparks to Mitch Album.  You include the Wicked series, the last of the Shannara series, many books with pink covers (which the Ex-fiance claimed because I saw those first, so I was more likely to purchase them, color marketing works, what?).

Man, I miss the used book stores in Raleigh and I'm kinda bummed I won't be making a trip down there any time soon.


Dear Teh Sister,
Now is a good time to come claim all those things of mine you've been wanting...  You know, like you like to do every time I move?  Get here.  Kthx.
PS.  Phil stays with me.


Dear Utility Companies,
Charging me $100 to move my existing connection down the street is absolutely ridiculous.  That HAS to be price gouging or something.  $25 isn't as ridiculous, but still.. Charging me to keep paying you but som where else??  Shouldn't you just be happy I'm staying with your company?


Dear Kitchen Stuff,
You seriously are the hardest part of packing.  It was easier in Bahrain when I had stuff that wasn't mine to use in the meantime.. but I keep forgetting to use disposable plates.. which makes it hard to pack the plates.  Also, I'm sorry to the poor mover that gets to move the pots/pans box.  I've been seriously trying to make them light, but sometimes, it's just hard.


Dear Nook,
You are a serious distraction now that I've downloaded books that I've been wanting to read for a while.  The Twilight Series and Harry Potter series.  No, I haven't ever read any of them.  I've been packing a few boxes and then taking Nook breaks.  I really enjoy reading, but I really need to finish getting everything packed up.  Preferably before I leave for OK.  I promise to bring you with me though!


Dear Weekend,
I love you.  I love you even more when you have extra days attached to you.  Just sayin'.


Dear Teh Bear,
I get to hold your hand this week.  3 weeks ago feels like it was a long time ago.  I guess that is good and bad.  Also, you're helping me move.  I'm sure that it's no longer as scary for you since I hired the movers.  It's only moderately less scary to me since hiring the movers.  Please no dents in Yurtle, kthx?  Also, I pre-apologize if I get stressed out and take it out on you.  I really shouldn't do that, and I try really hard not to, but sometimes, I'm just not very good at it.  Also, there might be tears if something gets broken, even if it's my fault....


Dear Teh Phil,
I will miss you while we are in OK and while we are moving.  I promise to put down rugs for you so when I bring you home you won't have to be so freaked out about the slippery floors.  Also, pretty sure the funniest thing you've ever done is backed up the stairs because you were afraid of the slippery dining room floor when we met the new landlord.  I appreciate you being reassured by my reassurances and not backing up all the way UP the steps (yes it looked as awkward as it sounds) and coming down without too much of a fight or needing bribery.


Finally:
Dear Snow,
Please stay as long as you want.  Forever preferably.  I love you more than you could ever know.  More than the love of the entire states of MD and NC combined.  No jk.  I'm serious snow bizness.

Teh Megan and Teh Phil in our first snow of 2013 (and Phil's first snow ever).

Not a surprise Christmas presence

Last year was covert operation Teh-Megan-will-be-with-Teh-Bear-on-his-birthday-and-the-going-home-for-Christmas-but-no-one-must-know.  This year.. there was no big secret.  There was actually a big NO on me going to NC for Christmas this year, but when Teh Stepsister bought her ticket from Oklahoma to escape from Army bootcamp for 2 weeks, I also made the decision to suck it up and go home as well.  Mostly because, who knows when we'll all be able to be at home at the same time again.

The best part about a planned visit is that 1- I drove home (which really has more to do with me not making a Florida pit-stop).  2- People know you're coming so they can properly plan giftage.

The first day I was at home, home, there were snow flurries all.day.long.  And then it didn't snow for the rest of my time in NC.... and it still hasn't snowed where I've been.  Not bitter.at all.ever...... ....  I love the chilly weather, so I wasn't complaining.  It also made workouts with Teh Stepsister more bearable.  I absolutely loath working out when it's hot.

Most of my time spent in NC was me being lazy-ish.  I still got up at a reasonable hour but I didn't really have to do anything, which is just a relaxed feeling for sure.  Other than Phil refusing to go business #2 for me every morning (because he's a jerk and prefers Teh Dad to me), it was a good visit.

Teh Mom, Teh Sister, and I opened presents at Teh Mom's on Christmas Eve since everyone knew I was planning to be on the road by 3pm on Christmas Day to get back to MD at a semi-reasonable hour.  That same night I went to Teh BFF's family dinner (holy mother of awkward interesting social situations), we had opened gifts the night before.  She got me my favorite candle (Autumn Wreath, just in case you needed to know) from Yankee Candle and I got her a new point and shoot camera.  Teh BFF's new step-siblings and their children proved to be a real treat.

Christmas Day came with dread and excitement.  Something about knowing that you're packing up and relocating in a few short hours kinda makes you just want to get on with it asap, but you know that you'd miss the fun parts of the day, so you stay and dread the drive...

There wasn't really a rush to get up, Phil woke me up because he heard other people moving around in the house, which was Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom in the kitchen starting Thanksgiving Christmas dinner.  While waiting on everyone to gather, I guilted Teh Stepsister into passing out the gifts "since we aren't sure if you're going to able to be home next year for Christmas."  Really, I'm lazy.

The little tree.  Teh Stepsister had said that everyone should wait till she got home to decorate the tree, then she never set it up so Teh Dad pulled this tree out of hiding a box.  No one even fixed the branches.

Right before everyone sat down to open presents, Teh Bear came online and we took turns opening our Cmas presents to each other.  Some miracle happened where we both had the same number of packages to open this year, which was surprising because we didn't know anything about our gifts.

My family had finally gathered by the time it was present time.  They got to watch me open the present Teh Bear had gotten for me, which he had warned me about by saying, "You're either going to be like 'YAY!!!!' or be like, 'yay.'"  I had no idea what I was going to open, seriously, no clue.

Teh Bear knows he has a long way to go in the wrapping department.
He always pre-warns me that I'm not allowed to judge his wrapping.

He was super serious about the presents not being damaged.  This was the 2nd set of air pockets that I'd run into since opening the box the package was mailed in.

Warning: Contains best Cmas present EVAR!!!!
Warning:  There will be none of the following while in possession of this gift
No crying
No sneezing
No barfing
No farting
Be sure to open this one first.
Stand Back 500ft
Awesomeness May Cause Permanent Blindess!!
(the little drawing is of 2 awesome stick people.
One says: I'm blind cause I peeked!  
The other says: why?!?
Then there's another warning that says: Don't let this happen.)

Open 2nd
No cheating
For REAL!
None!
Didn't cheat?
Good.  You may continue.

No one ever said Teh Bear was bad at directions, that's for sure.

So what was the big surprise????

My own Nook!!!  With a Little Mermaid book cover, a protection plan (that's how I know The Bear knows me), and a USB drive with my first nook book on it (Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper).

The nook case has a tye-dye inside.
Lub.

There was a bit of a snaggle this year because I allowed Teh Bear to buy his own Nook which I had been considering getting him for Christmas (see post here).  This gift was truly a surprise to me, which was awesome.  Teh Bear recalled back to when we were in GTMO and I had talked about purchasing a Kindle. Teh Ginger actually did get one, but I held out.  For me, a Nook was something that was practical, but not really something I'd ever put on a wishlist or ask for, but if I received one, I'd love it and give it a name and warmly welcome it into Teh Megan's Technological Family (which includes Suzy (phone), Yurtle (car), the laptop (nameless), the tv (also nameless), and whatever other gadgets there are)..

Teh Bear also opened his presents which were mostly Domo-themed (because I found so much Domo stuff by accident and he was just an unfortunate recipient . and lets be honest, Domo boxer briefs are pretty awesome, don't care.) and a new Boston Red Sox hat with the socks instead of the "B".

After Teh Bear and I were finished opening presents, he had to get ready for work and we signed off Skype so Teh Family could open up presents.  All the gifts I gave this year were awesome (like always), but Teh Sister and I really went all out for Teh Stepsister this year.  We put our art skillz to the test.

Before she even came home, I had decided (and informed Teh Sister) that we should split the cost of a massage for her.  She agreed.  Then Teh Stepsister came home and asked for a massage from her dad for Christmas.  As to not double up on massage gifts (since her time at home was limited) and because the massage place ran out of gift certificates (what?  how?), we just decided to give her cash... and make her the best handmade card EVARRRR.

Teh Stepsister joined the Army, and her drill instructors like to make "sexy private" jokes because in bootcamp, everyone's rank is "private"...  So when they are working out the DI's will say, "THIS WILL MAKE YOU SEXY, PRIVATE!"  Also, drawing an M-16 was a little too intimidating, so we just went with "gun".  Finally, Teh Stepsister claimed the Army beret was "badass" so we had to include it.

Teh Sister and I had to do flag research to make sure we were getting all the stars and stripes right.  We researched which color stripe came first and how the stars were aligned in the blue box.

Finally, we pulled out our inner-Printshop-10 (a program that I had gotten for a birthday when I was in middle school to create banners and cards and fun media items).  When you used to make cards in the program on the back of each quad-folded card it would say: Made with love by _____.  Teh Sister and I made sure to include that.  I threw in a Hooah for good measure and obviously I haven't worn my dog tags in a hot minute because those are so poorly shaped it hurt my soul a little.

Concerning the signatures of the card:
the little blue dot before my name came into question after I had signed.

Teh Sister:  You didn't have to test the marker on the card before you signed your name.  You could have used one of the extra pieces of paper we have.
Teh Megan:  What are you talking about?
tS pointed at the blue mark before my signature.
tM:  That's not where I tested the marker!  That's an AND SIGN!
tS:  Oh.
There was much chuckles over this.

After presents were finished, it was back to the kitchen for Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom.  I could feel myself getting hangry because I had been told we'd be eating at noon and at 1130, I was informed that food was 1.5 hours from completion.  We may have had a food issue last year as well... This time, there were no tears.

In the 20 minutes before food was done, the desire of Teh Stepsister to get "family photos" was finally fulfilled as Teh Sister and I had set up her camera and my tripod (yay for using it) on the dining room table so no one could eat before photos were taken.  Despite being hangry, we had fun taking photos.  Teh Sister put the camera on a delayed shutter to do sets of 5 photos, so she would click the shutter and run over and we had about 3 seconds between each shot for directions.  It was like we were all annoyed with each other moments before standing in front of the camera and as we started taking pictures and being silly together, the irritations just melted away and it was really Christmas.  We might not all match perfectly, but these are definitely true Teh Family photos.

Teh Sister, Teh Megan, Teh Stepsister, Teh Stepmom, Teh Dad
I may or may not have grabbed Teh Stepsister's butt to make her laugh.

Everyone posed and smiling.

Time of your life!!!

I'm an animal, I can't help it.

Teh Sister and I are in true form and Teh Dad is just like, wtf is going on?

Noodles (the weenie dog) kept jumping up on my leg so Teh Sister grabbed him up and I was pretending to be a mean drill instructor while Teh Stepsister was being a Sexy Private and Teh Stepmom was catching up to the thumbs up leg lift and Teh Dad was totally ready.

After photos, we were ready to eat.  Everything was delicious.  Then it was time to get on the road.  Pretty much that quick.  I didn't take long to load up Yurtle and after a quick stop at Teh Mom's (which would have been longer had lunch been ready at lunch and we didn't hear the weather warning on the radio) I seriously got on the road to head back to MD.

The drive back was fairly uneventful, but I really wish I had some way to record my thoughts while driving, because I really can be funny sometimes...  Ok maybe I'm the only one who thinks so, but that's all that matters when it comes to 8 hour drive entertainment.

Thoughts from an 8 hour drive:
-I wonder if Phil thinks I'm as good at karaoke as I do..
-Why didn't fast food places post their Holiday hours on billboards instead of just snowflakes with coffee?  Stupid!
-Phil really has it made.  We make special stops just for him.  Ok, and for gas, but mostly for him.  (He got to go business AND he got a curbside dinner).
-I should stop for food in Durham/Raleigh before I get to BFE where nothing will be open.
-Oooo there was a sign that said Wendy's, I'll go there.
-(Get off the exit) Where did the Wendy's sign go?  Crap, I guess I'll have to go to McDonald's.
-YAYYYY Wendy's!  (was right beside the McDonald's AND all the lights were on!)
-WHY IS NO ONE ANSWERING ME!!! (as I sat in the drive through talking to an unresponsive menu.  Drive around to see that NO ONE is INSIDE.. the lights are just on.  Jerks.)
-Ugh McDonald's.  YAY sweet tea!
-Awwww Yurtle!!! 20000 miles!  You're so big!

How awesome is it that Yurtle tells me how many more miles I can go till I run out of gas?
It's a very sadistic game I play with myself now....  I just know I'm going to get burned one day.

-Green F350, you're my hero for going so fast, but please choose a consistent speed.  I feel like a real jerk passing you then you passing me then me passing you then you passing me.  I'm using cruise control, it's kinda cool, yo.
-Awww Richmond, you have Cmas lights on your buildings!  How awesome!!!  I wish my point and shoot wasn't dead, I'd take a picture!
-Black Venza, I approve of your speeding.  I'm sad I have to get off at exit 104 and we only have 50 miles of this fun time, but I'll write about how awesome you were in my blog.
-Dear 70mph zones in VA.  I.love.you.  No, I love you.  Seriously.  I do.  Forever, you+me.  You're the best part of this relationship.

I thought that I'd be smart and use my google speech input for a text message to make "notes" of my drive... except that as I started to do it, the voice input stopped working for some reason and wasn't recognizing my words.  /weep.

And now I've recapped my Christmas!!! Woooo!
I came back to MD to work for 2 days and then we got another 5 days off work.  Who's complaining?
Nope, not even me.


Notes:
Phil will have his own Christmas post on his blog.. because (of course) Phil got presents.
Look for the Relish 2012 posts to wrap up within the next day or two (depending on how busy I get in the next day)

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!
You have till January 2nd to tell me why you keeping coming back to Teh Blog.  Tell me in a comment or on Teh FB page.

Little Notes #5

Dear YNAB (You Need a Budget),
You haven't really helped me control my spending, but I can see where every penny is going.  Sometimes your program is a little too complex for me, but I'm sure if I was ever patient enough to watch the instructional videos I wouldn't be so overwhelmed with all the budget options.  Nonetheless, I like tracking my monies.  It's kinda fun, even if it kinda sucks.

Dear soon-to-be-here-DeStefano Baby,

Your parents and family are really excited about you.  I saw that you got lots of presents.  If you're not an Eagles fan your Daddy might disown you, but that's no big deal.  I told your parents a secret about how you're the baby I'm most excited about this season.  That's kind of a big deal for me, FYI.  I hear you have big feet.  I at least need you to fit in one set of the outfits I bought, but preferably the monster one because I'm kinda partial to that one over the elephants.


Dear Philadelphia,
Your roads suck.  That stacked bridge thing on 95??  HATE IT.  It freaks me out.  But, thank you for no traffic issues this weekend, that was much appreciated.

Dear Vice Presidential debate,
You were worthless to me.. AND your presence on a Thursday night meant no Grey's Anatomy... AND it meant it was a school night, so there was no drinking game for this girl.  On the other hand, thanks for the 2 hour reminder that my vote.. and the all day reminder the next day via FB from all my friends was great too.

Dear MD/DE,
Your I-95 tolls are ridiculous.  I learned a secret on the way back to S.MD though.. going the Hwy 301 way only costs $2 instead of $14.

Dear Sunday night traffic,
Or lack there of...
You were awesome.  You made my trip back to MD significantly less painful and I appreciate that.  You were also going pretty fast.  Thanks for that.

Dear Yurtle,
Everyone loves you.  Seriously.  Especially that lady at the pizza place driving the Mercedes.  I'm not sure if she actually checked you out through the windows or opened the door, but she loooooooved your leather seats and how cute you were.  I loooooooooved your 28.9 miles per gallon and cooled seat on the way home.  While Phil enjoyed the back seats that fold down to create Mobile Hotel de Phil.  This trip was pre-game for our trip to NC in 2 weeks.  I'll miss you while we're in Denver and the Grand Canyon, but I promise to love you long time when we get back and drive around NC together.  I'll even pay for your insurance and renew your tags and get you inspected.  It will be good times.  Promise.

Dear Teh Bear,
17 days till our vacation.  Tickets are bought, hotels are reserved.  We're on a vacation mission.  I'm pretty excited for snuggles..  and for our first plane ride together (in completely cheesy mode).  I'll even hold your hand in the airport and try not to power walk every where like I do when I'm alone.  PS.  Phil is excited to see you in NC.

Little Notes #5

Dear random survey I participated in,
I NEVER participate in those crazy surveys.  Seriously.  EVER.  But this time I did because you offered me a $50 Amazon gift card.  I don't recall when I did this survey, but I do remember at the end, nothing happened, and I suspected that I had wasted my time.  On Thursday, I received an email notification from Amazon saying that I had a $50 gift certificate waiting for me to activate.  I was actually very skeptical of this email at first, thinking it was spam (but I didn't delete it, because I wanted to check it on my computer since I was looking at it on my phone and couldn't see all the details).  Well, by George, that survey did come through!  SWEEEETTT!!  I lub $50 at a place that I spend from regularly.

Dear Amazon,
Thank YOU for being so awesome.  You have everything I could possibly imagine buying.  I've been looking to spend $7 for 2 weeks so I could buy some multivitamins and get free shipping, but I couldn't find anything that had the free super saver shipping.  I was disappointed.  Then, I received that $50 gift certificate.  This enabled to finally purchase something I've really been wanting (and semi-needing, in a first world problems type way)..... a new point and shoot.  It was like having a $50 coupon, and with the very rapid decline of my point and shoot from 2003 (camera, y u no clicky when I press ze button?), much needed.  After I figured out which camera I was going to get, I was concerned that it wouldn't arrive before I left for FL with just standard free super saving shipping.  So, what better time to activate my Amazon Prime free trial month???  NEVER!  So, not only did you have what I wanted, you also gave me the option to get it with free shipping, it will arrive before I leave for my trip, and I had a $50 credit!  SCOOOOORE!

Dear Canon,
Thank you for making me feel like a traitor on my Nikon DSLR.  The fact that my PowerShot SD400 lasted almost 10 years after the beating that I gave it is amazing.  (You really shouldn't carry a camera in your purse without it being in a case.. Seriously.  Not sure how this thing lasted 10 years.  Thanks Ex-Fiance for your solid investment.)  It's actually more than amazing, but I don't really have the accurate words to describe my devotion to this product.  Hopefully, my newly purchased point and shoot (Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS) will be just as impeccable as my SD400.  Congrats Canon on winning my brand-loyalty.
Want photos of my new baby?  No worries, got ya covered:

I went with NC State red.
It cost a little more than the black one, but if it lasts me as long as my SD400 did,
it will be well worth the extra $20.

Dear Pioneer Day,
I'm really glad that you happened.  This week wasn't really that bad (looking back), but despite the "short" days, there was really too much going on during that "short" duration of time for me to feel like it was anything but "long," or maybe "painfully long."  I know that I took care of some big issues, mostly on my own, which is pretty impressive, considering how far I've come in learning my new not-my-Navy-trained-job job since December (we won't count November since it was mostly spent on leave/holiday).  We're still working on some big issues, so next week might be just as "short" despite starting leave on Thurs.

Dear inspector lady,
I won't name you, but I know that particular people (if they read this) will know who you are.  You have made my life hell since the day you met me.  Can we unmeet please?  You're also kinda a bitch.  Nothing personal, I'm sure you're doing your job, but when you tell me overwhelming things that are pretty much impossible, then you follow that up with annoyingly high pitched positivity of things that are easier and more immediate to fix, I want to punch you in the face.  Respectfully, punch.you.in.the.damn.face.  Actually, I'd rather kick you down the stairs, because that means you'd no longer be in my space.  I mean, if we're talking preferences, that is.

Dear door inspector dude,

"What's that English saying about shoes and feet?" (image)

Thank you for finding stupid expensive problems for me to fix, BUT THEN FIXING THEM FOR ME (after I acquired the funding).  I really wanted to hug you.  I'm not really a hugger, unless you're part of my immediate family, Teh Bear, Teh Phil Boy, or you catch me by surprise, but I wanted to hug you.  Also, you kinda looked like Christoph Waltz (aka Col. Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds), which was slightly creepy, but I didn't want to mention it to you and be that person.  Nonetheless, thank you for not shooting up my floorboards and fixing my door.  You're my hero for this month.  Furthermore, your existance means no lock pickin' school for me in October, which I am slightly disappointed about (because I was going to use it as an excuse to see Teh Ginger), but kinda relieved about (because I really didn't want to have to find a sitter for Phil....... again).

Dear airlines,
I've seen lots of people lately having some travel issues.  Mostly vehicles, but I've seen some issues with delayed flights, etc.  I'ma need that not to happen next week, plskthx.  More than you know, I need some serious snuggles and Teh Bear hugs.

Dear people who were made sad by Tuesday's blog,
Maybe I was being melodramatic, maybe not.  Still, everything I said was from the heart, so I'm sorry if I made you sad, sometimes the truth sucks like that.  To cheer you up, go to Phil's blog and watch videos of the dogs playing.  Joey's ears make me smile all the time.  ORRRR you can always watch the Call Me Maybe Chatroulette video.

Dear Youtube,
I'm not sure how I went from Call Me Maybe Chatroulette video to natural home births, but seriously...  I'm scared for life.  I need to watch the first video again just to erase the images in my brain.  There is a reason I don't "explore" on youtube.  Miss Difficult Last Name and Teh Mexican can attest, this really doesn't go anywhere but south.  The worlds biggest cyst video is still prob my fave even though it makes me squeal every time I watch it.  For once, I actually wished that I was under 18 so I couldn't have seen the birth videos.  Birth is disgusting.  I don't care what kind of miracle it is, IT.IS.DISGUSTING.  The world's biggest cyst is LESS disgusting than birth.  Just sayin.

Dear Pumpkin Cake,
I'm making you soon.  No jk.  It's been almost a year since I last enjoyed your tasty delightfulness and it's time to start celebrating fall.  I don't care that it's still summer.  I talked to the Fall Groundhog (a direct cousin of the Spring/Feb 2nd Groundhog) and he said that summer wasn't going to last an extra 6 weeks.  I paid him some acorns or whatever groundhogs eat and we called it even.  So, you+me, Pumpkin Cake.  I've got your number.