Story of My Life - Day 17

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Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why

 

So, this may seem silly, but this is my favorite picture of just myself. Sure, there are a ton I like of me and Joel or me and our pets, but this picture was taken of me before I ran my first race (it was a "themed" run) and when I was at my happiest with my weight/self. I was tan, in shape, and really proud of myself for getting there. Hopefully I can get my rear in gear and get just as motivated to get back to my fitness level/weight here.

Story of My Life - Day 16

So, I skipped yesterday's post on purpose.  What my average work day looks like is pretty boring.  I get up, go to work, go home.  Plus, the building I work in is a secure building, so no phones, cameras, etc.  Are even allowed in.  So boring work day with no pictures?  Believe me, I spared you all a super dull reading.  Moving on...

Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it.
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I grew up in a family with a mom that worked those "odds and end" jobs as a single mom, and then fluctuated whether she was working once she married my step-father (who I call "dad"). Which means we didn't have a whole lot of money growing up. We weren't poor exactly, we just didn't have a lot of money for extras.

When I was in eighth grade, my mom stressed that if I wanted to go to college, I better work really hard at a scholarship, because she was never able to put any money away for that. So I did. I worked really really hard. I had a job at 14, where I was able to save and buy my own car before I was even old enough to drive it. I was in a lot of extra school activities, where I often had to work fundraisers to pay for the costs, or they came out of my own pocket. And I studied my tail off.

I was elated to find out not only did I get into every single school that I applied for (including Notre Dame...holla!), but Indiana University offered me a full scholarship to attend classes. Meaning I didn't have to pay for college. I moved out of my parent's house two weeks after I graduated from high school and worked two jobs while attending school full time to support myself.

I planned on either going to Law School or working in D.C., lobbying for something I was passionate about. So, I chose to double major in Political Science and History. Right after my sophomore year of college, I got an amazing opportunity to live and work overseas in Germany for the Army. I jumped on that chance, gave up my scholarship, and moved abroad.

While living in Germany, I completed my degree through an American University who had an extension campus over there. I planned on doing my time, traveling as much as possible, moving back, and starting the next part of my "career." Little did I know that Love would happen, making my future career goals pretty unattainable. A military wife with a stable, exuberant, accelerating career? Well, those are few and far between.

So what did I do? I adjusted. I started working on a Master's Degree in Special Education, so I can have the opportunity to continue working for the Government, teaching, or both (there are Federal Teachers for the military schools, etc.). Having two distinctly different career paths doubled my employment chances, didn't it? I thought it would be a no brainer that I would get another job greater than or equal to my previous responsibilities, and work while continuing my education. I did find a job, but it was a step down in my career, not up. Which was hard. Really hard. I love my education program, but halfway through I discovered how hard it was in the education world to find good jobs, ones people are passionate about.

So I struggle. Both professionally and with my identity. I worked so damn hard to get where I am. I am so happy to see my husband's career soar. He is great at what he does and very passionate. But, so am I. I struggle as a wife on being happy for him and ok with my circumstances. But it's hard. I'm not happy where I am professionally. To hear the struggles of my fellow milspouses...it's disheartening. But, I do the best that I can. I work as hard as I can. That's what I have control over. I've always gotten great feedback on my performance, and I just hope one day I can shine as bright as I should be professionally.

Story of My Life - Day 14

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Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy

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1.  My pugs.

2.  My kitty.

3.  My husband.

4.  A good Southern meal.

5.  Starbucks.

6. Traveling.

7.  Relaxing poolside or at the beach.

8.  A glass of gluhwein when it's cold.

9.  Date nights with the hubster.

10.  Cheering on the Miami Dolphins (or any favorite team).

Story of my Life - Days 10, 11, 12, & 13

Hi, all!  I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend.  I was off on Friday, so I definitely took the day to pamper myself (it was military spouse appreciation day, after all), and then Joel and I got in some much needed quality time after that.  We had date night, a terrible experience at a local place that I plan to blog about later, an epic karaoke night, and some good old fashioned spring cleaning on Sunday.  But, before I get into that, I want to catch up on the Blog Every Day in May challenge, which I royally suck at on the weekends.

Link up here.

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 Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill.

Ok, I have had a ton of embarrassing moments.  I am clumsy, suffer from foot in mouth disease, and at times, don't have a stupidity filter.  Oh, and let's not forget blond moments.  But one particular situation sticks out in particular.

I consider myself an educated woman.  Even in high school, I was on the honor roll and took a lot of AP classes.  But, there was this one time when I was at Kohls with my boyfriend at the time.  I was looking for a pair of sweatpants, and I saw a really nice looking pair.  It was in the Junior's section of course, and on one butt cheek of them it said "hot" and on the other "tie."  I was all like, "what's a hot tie?"  My boyfriend looked at me like, seriously Kristen?  I looked again and said (loudly, might I add), "oh, hottie!"  After getting looked at like an idiot by everyone within earshot, I hung my head in shame and left.  Reading / teenage girl fail.

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Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

Hoosier, world traveler, scholar, blogger, animal lover, and  military wife.

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Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

Well, like the title of my blog suggests, I miss home.  By home I mean two things:  Indiana and feeling settled.

I grew up in the heart of Indianapolis.  Whenever I visit, I just feel at "home."  Of course the city isn't the same, and my friends and family have moved around and even on to other places, but I just love it there.  People are pretty friendly, and there's a sense of belonging when I visit my favorite spots.  I will always be proud of my Hoosier upbringing.

The second half is the feeling of being settled.  As a military wife, being constantly moved around doesn't really allow me to settle down and get comfortable.  The first year we were here I absolutely loved.  We bought a house, discovered some new places that we now love, and made ourselves a part of the community.  But, after that first year I couldn't help but think "where's next?"  I hate the idea of saying goodbye to the places and people I love.  But when duty calls for Joel, away we go.
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Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.

I want to say that I am sorry to my husband.  I am sorry that I make you watch shows like Teen Mom and The Real Housewives.  I am embarrassed most of the time to admit I watch them.  I am sorry I subject you to the same.  And I am even more sorry that you are starting to like some of them.  I am sure if you ask around, though...you won't be alone.

   

I am sorry that I have control issues.  I never let you control the remote, buy plane tickets or book hotels, or be spontaneous in the way most other women like.  I hate surprises, and I am sorry I ruin most of yours.  I'm also sorry that when you clean most of the time, that I redo what you just did.  I am also sorry that I hate the way that you load the dishwasher and put leftovers away.  But hey, look at it this way: you have a built-in maid, travel agent, and personal planner.  You're welcome.

Sorry babe.

I am also sorry that I make you go with me to concerts / musicals / plays that you really don't care to go see.  I am sorry that even though you've already seen Les Miserables this year in the theater and at the movies that I may ask you to travel to Toronto this winter to see my favorite Broadway actor take the role of Jean Valjean.  While we are on that topic, I am sorry that I made you see Wicked in German.  I am also sorry that I make you go to country concerts even though you don't like the genre.  But, at least I'm introducing you to new experiences, right?

And lastly, I'm sorry that I prefer the NFL over NCAA football, and NCAA basketball over the NBA.  I am sorry that I like NASCAR and that you don't understand it.  I am sorry that you love snowboarding, and I loathe the snow and cold.  I am sorry my Midwestern roots are so different from your Pacific Northwest ones.

But I'm not sorry for loving you, and I'm not sorry that through all of our difference that you continue to put up with me.  Thanks, love.

Story of My Life - Day 9

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Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)
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Look at that face!

Our little guy, Gomez, is the perfect dog, except for one thing.  He barks at anything and everything.  And by everything, I mean he even barks at nonsense on the tv.  So, in an effort to stop the insanity (for both him and us), he is in training school this week and next week.  So, this is the face I get when we pick him up from class.  I'm not sure if he is just tuckered out or sad to leave.

Story of My Life - Day 8

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Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.
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If you aren't yet married, or even if you are, read the book He's Just Not That Into You (not the movie, the book).  It totally changed my perspective on relationships.  I dated one crappy guy after another, and always made excuses for why they never called, why they weren't honest about certain things, etc.  While the book is humorous, I think there are a lot of good tips for dating.  Like, if he's married, he's just not that into you. 

Ladies...don't date a married man!  That's bad juju (or however you spell it), and he will likely cheat on you.  If a man doesn't call, he's just not that into you.  If my husband can find time to call me in a remote location in Iraq, your man can find time to call you on a business trip.

And lastly, it taught me that I need to put myself first in a new relationship.  I would recommend that everyone pick five or so non-negotiables and stick with them.  I always said it was fine if my guy didn't want to go to church with me, but Joel and I are both Catholic, and it's nice to grow spiritually together.  I always said it's fine if a guy smokes because he has that right.  But I always hated kissing an ashtray.

And lastly, if a guy's not right for you, then there's someone else out there.  Someone that is a better fit for you.  Don't be with a man and expect that they'll change intricate parts of their personality just because they are with you.  Believe me, I kissed a lot of frogs before I met Joel.

I am by no means an expert on relationships.  And we are not perfect by any means; he still grates on my nerves at times, I will admit that I have never been happier with a man in my life.  And we all deserve that, ladies.  Don't sell yourself short.

Story of My Life - Day 7

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Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

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There are two things I am equally afraid of.  I'm afraid of dying and of something happening to Joel.

Let's start with death.  I am Catholic and believe in God and the heavens, but I am always so fearful of the unknown.  Am I good enough for God to call me up?  And if so, what is that like?  Will I see my family and loved ones that I've lost, or is there a feeling of "nothing?"  And what if I'm not good enough?  What is waiting on that side terrifies me.

And with Joel, well...he's in the military.  While he doesn't work a combat specific job, he still deploys to unsafe areas.  Yes, I know anything can happen at anytime no matter how safe someone is, but when he told me how terrified he was when he was deployed in Iraq listening to mortars go off while he tried to sleep, well...I couldn't help myself.  I cried a fearful cry.  I cried because he had to endure fear like that, and I cried at the thought of losing him forever.

I also fear that something medical will take him away from me.  His older brother, Nathan, passed away last year due to complications while he was undergoing cancer treatment.  We were at his side when he passed, and looking at the pain in his wife's eyes, well...I'm tearing up now just remembering it.  Nathan was a great man and a wonderful human being, always a kind soul.  And so is Joel.  My heart aches for Nathan's wife as she tries to live her life, but it terrifies me to think of it happening to Joel one day.

Story of My Life - Days 4, 5, & 6

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Getting caught up!
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Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it
1 Corinthians 13, 4-7, 13

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I truly love this quote. It reminds me what true love is. Not juts the love in my marriage, but between friends, my faith, and my family. It reminds me that I am worthy of those that truly love me, and of how I should love others. I know it's kind of cheesy, but this was read at my wedding. I think it's a beautiful quote.
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Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member.
Well, this may come as kind of a shock to her, but I am really appreciate lately of my bloggy friend Katie. Although I've never met her in person, she has been there lately when I've had a serious post that I needed to sort it with either words of encouragement or affirmation. As I struggle with my "role" as a military spouse, she reminds me that I'm not alone, and that I am stronger than I think. She may not know it (obvs she does now!), but comments from her and from others have given me courage sometimes to carry on through the hard stuff. I'll forever be grateful, and hope that one day we'll be able to meet in real life. I just know we'd be besties.
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Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?
Gosh, that's a hard one. When not at work, I fill my time with rescuing and fostering needed pups, volunteering. I also consider myself a lifetime learner, and love discovering new subjects. I swore I would be done with school after my Bachelor's, but went and got a Master's degree. Now, I am looking into getting certified as an ASL translator and working on my German proficiency. The fun never stops.

Story of My Life - Day 3

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Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable
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I am uncomfortable when...

- people say the word "retarded."  My sister is special needs, and I ma getting my Master's in Special Education, so this one just makes me cringe.  And I get uncomfortable, because I want to say something, but I don't like a lot of confrontation.  But, come on people...how many other adjectives in the English Language can we substitute so we don't use this derogatory term?  Tons.

- I am wearing a bathing suit.  I am really unhappy at my current weight, so I hate it when I have to wear one, but I truly love the water.

- when people ask me "so what do you do?"  I work for the government, but it's not glamorous, and I am not using any of the degrees I earned.  Joel's job is so exciting:  he's an Engineer in the Air Force, so he's done humanitarian construction on three different continents, building schools, shelters, and hospitals.  My job is nothing in comparison.

- when people ask me where I'm from.  This sounds weird, but I was born in Indiana, moved to Germany for seven years, and now I live in the 'burbs of St. Louis.  So I really don't know how exactly to answer this one.  Doesn't help when Joel and I get asked that and he's from Oregon, blah, blah...

- when there is yelling or fighting.  As stated above, I hate confrontation, so I get really quiet and nervous in situations like this.

- when I have crappy friends and want to sever the relationship.  Also, when friends constantly flake on me, because I want to tell them I'm hurt, but you know...

- when I take a new class of any kind.  Fitness classes, especially.  I feel like the new kid at school that has no business being there.

Story of My Life - Day 2

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Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

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Ok, I'll probably be the oddball on this one, but I'll tell you one random thing that I know all about.  My B.S. was in History and Political Science.  I concentrated on international classes, and became really interested in Medieval and Renaissance History.  Specifically during the reign of the Tudor family in England.

I followed from Henry VII, Henry VIII (and all of his wives), Edward VI, Mary I,and then finally Elizabeth I.  I know their stories, their order, the intrigue, and the rumors surrounding their time on the throne.  When I lived in Germany, I made a special trip to England to specifically visit places I had learned about in school.  Joel and I visited Hever Castle (home of the infamous Anne Boleyn and her family), and while I was talking to Joel about relative historical information, the cutest little old British couple asked if I was giving a tour, and could they listen in.

I wrote my Senior thesis on Anne Boleyn and her influence of the British Reformation.  I hate historical fiction, because the real stories are usually so much interesting.  I especially hated The Other Boleyn Girl as it was a complete mockery of the intricacies of the time, and made people that didn't know any better think that was the true story of Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary, when historians agree that Mary was a complete non-player with Henry.

I know this is the geek in me coming out, but this stuff really interests me.  I swear I should have been born in Europe, because while most of my counterparts concentrated in American History, which is where the jobs are, I had to be a little rebel.  I even went to a private residence in Scotland to see Mary Queen of Scots death mask.  Her death mask, people!  You might call me borderline obsessed, but this is definitely something I know a lot about.

31 Days pf Blogging - Days 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10

Ok guys.  I have learned finals and blogging challenges don't mix.  T minus five days and this semester is dunzo!  On to a quick fill in.  I swear I will have much more exciting posts after next week.

Day 6- Favorite super hero and why
Hmmm...this is a tough one.  I am going to go ahead and say Professor Xavier.  He's just awesome in so many ways.

Day 7- What's in your bag
Hmm...right now I have my planner, lip gloss, my wallet, a gazillion pens, a pocket hairbrush, my change wallet, vitamins, my migraine meds, an my emergency girly things.  Pretty standard, actually.

Day 8- Short term goals for this month and why
Well, as always it is to get healthier.  Two weeks ago I worked out three times, but only once this past week.  I have a thing going on with my foot (it hurts like a mutha!), so hopefully that gets straightened out.  I think it is obvs why I want to work out more.

Day 9- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Umm...that I finished one of my final projects, which was the one I was stressing most about, with a 100%!  That was about 25% of my grade, so I am pretty stoked.

Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
When I am happy, I don't know why, but I love me some Pitbull.  He is so upbeat, and it makes me want to shake my tush a little.  Also anything by Cascada.  When I am sad, I listen to sappy love songs.  Kissing you, Gone, Marry Me, and Wanted are my top faves at the moment.  Definitely Dirty Diana when I want to get hyped.  When I am mad, I like Wide Awake by Katy Perry and So What from Pink.  Pink is always good for some angry music.

31 Days of Blogging, Days 3, 4, 5

Ok, let's get this out there.  I suck at being productive during finals.  I feel like I am so behind on this challenge!  So, I hope no one minds me combining some of the days.  I promise I will get better after next week.

Ok, Day 3- A picture of you as a child.

Well, I don't have a scanner and I don't have any digital ones.  I will need to do this someday, but today is not that day.

Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn’t have.

There are two, actually.  One is I am an extremely picky eater.  Don't get me wrong, I love food.  I just didn't grow up in the healthiest of families, so there are a lot of foods that I should eat, but I don't.  I have gotten better over the years, but it's hard to get out of my comfort zone.

The second habit is that when I am stressed, I tend to shut down and become the biggest procrastinator.  Take why I am so stressed this week as an example.  I could have been working on my final projects throughout the semester.  But, oh no, not me.  At least I tend to work well under pressure.

day 5- A picture of somewhere you’ve been.

Ok, now this one is tough.  When I lived in Germany, I traveled like crazy!  Why don't I post a few of my favorite places...



Dingle, Ireland

Santorini, Greece

The Maldives

Cairo, Egypt

Me at a mosque in Cairo

London (and a cameo by Joel!)

31 Days of Blogging, Days 1 & 2

Gosh, I already messed up with day 1.  D'oh!  I got back much later than expected from my secret event Saturday night.  I can't wait to share it all with you!

So here goes. 

Day 1:  Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.  Ok, here's an awful phone picture and sneak peek of what I wore to the event Saturday night.
 

15 facts about myself.  Not sure if they're interesting or not!

1.  I am an Aries, and while I use to personify my astrological sign, I feel like I am getting less and less away from it as I get older.
2.  Even though I am married to someone in the military, I am a pacifist.  War is so hard for me to conceptualize, and even though I am very pro-military, I am anti-war.  Does that make sense?
3.  I have tiny feet, and it's really hard for me to find shoes!  I am a 5 or 5 1/2, and when I was in Germany, I was a Euro 35.  Sometimes they didn't make women's shoes that small, so I often had to wear kids shoes!
4.  I have always had big dogs growing up.  We had a Pitbull, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Collie...but, once I rescued my Pug Pugsley, I knew that Pugs were the breed meant for me.
5.  I love living overseas more than I like living in the states.  I love to travel, and miss being so close to everything.  I think I might have been a European in my past life.  (Kidding!  Maybe...)
6.  I drive a VW Beetle, and I love it.  People always tell me that they're not surprised I drive one, and I have yet to figure out what that means...
7.  I hate conflict and I avoid it at all costs.
8.  I may have an unhealthy obsession with white chocolate.  I'm waiting to hear the health benefits of it, because dark can't be the only healthy chocolate!
9.  I have a lot of anxiety over change.  And while we are talking about anxiety, I hate when I am faced with two good decisions.  I always feel like I am going to pick the wrong one.
10.  I may also have an unhealthy shoe addiction.  I have about 6 or 7 pairs of boots alone.
11.  I absolutely cannot go to the gym looking like a slob.  No, I don't do my hair or make-up, but putting on something I'm not embarrassed to be seen in public in is a motivator for me.
12.  I miss my hometown of Indianapolis.  I'm not sure what I long for there, but I am so content when I am home.
13.  If I could have any job, I would be an attorney.  It's all I wanted to be as a kid, and I'd still like to go to Law School.  Looks like it just isn't in the cards for me anytime soon.
14.  I really wish Joel would get out of the military.  I hate being a military wife, and would give up the job security (for him, not me) if it meant I never had to go six months or more away from him again.
15.  I am the biggest cry baby.  I cry over sad songs, movies...you name it.  I would even cry at a funeral for someone that I haven't ever met.  But, I am a bad consoler.  When people tell me sad news, I tend to cry right along with them.

Day 2:  The meaning behind your blog name.

Nothing significant, really.  I haven't found a name I've just loved yet, so this title is a working one.  I'm always up for better suggestions.