Five on Friday

1.  Happy Friday, everyone!  I know that most of us had a short week, but this week was crazy at work.  One of my co-workers took another job.  I am stoked for her, but I've been voluntold to take over her work until there's a replacement found.  As "honored" as they told me I should feel, I'm not very happy about the situation.  I'm totally a team player, but it's totally going to screw my section up, and I'm going to lose my cush hours in the process.

2.  On the other hand...I, too, have a job interview next week!  It would be a huge promotion, but that puts me in a sticky situation, because it means that I would be stuck here while Joel goes to Korea.  Not ideal, but it's a great career move for me.  Lots of wives stay behind sometimes, but I never saw myself being one of them.  I've sacrificed my career enough for his, though, so if I happen to land the promotion, I may have to be selfish for a while.  And I'll have to look for an apartment, because...

3.  We sold our house!  It was only on the market for three weeks, so it went much faster than expected.  Our realtor said that the process has normally been taking about three months, so we should feel pretty good about things.  I might be living in a hotel for a few months, though, because we close much sooner than we thought.  Eek!

4.  I'm really starting to get worried about Pugsley, and it's breaking my heart.  He's 16 now, and even though he's in pretty good physical condition, we think his mind is deteriorating.  We've had him on Xanax for about 6 months now, because he was barking and crying at things that weren't there, and he seemed pretty restless.  The pills had been working, but the past 2 out of 3 nights, he's been crying for hours in the middle of the night, not needing to potty, though, and just walking around the bed.  He's also randomly "pug screaming" for no reason, which isn't like him.  The poor boy just looks anxious all the time.  I feel so lost...I have no idea what to do...

5.  On a better note, next week is my girls' weekend in Seattle!  I am so stoked.  I'll miss Joel, of course, but I need this time.  I have never been, so we have some sightseeing planned, as well as a wine tour, which is pretty amazing.  I've had wanderlust all year, and while these trips have been stateside, they have at least scratched the itch.

Hump Day Confessions

You know, I had a fabulous, stress free weekend (which I will share shortly).  I got some great news, and then all was right in the world.  Until Tuesday hit...  So, I thought it was a perfect week to link up for Hump Day confessions with Vodka and Soda.  Won't you play along?

I confess that even though I didn't want to move to Korea in the first place, I am just ready to move, already.  I hate the "hurry up and wait" game that the military likes to play with us.  Report in May?  No problem!  Just kidding...report in July?!  We have a slight problem.

I confess that I think it's ridiculous that screaming babies (I know it's not their fault, but still) can take a plane anywhere in the world, but my dogs are forbidden to fly from 15 May to 15 September.  See why a July report date is a problem?  Even private pet transporters abide by that airline rule.  I know it is for their safety, but why can't I get a seat for my little guys, or at least a temperature controlled part of the aircraft.

I confess that I am tired of getting a ton of extra duties at work, and being told I should be thankful because it means I'm good at my job.  No, I'd be thankful for some kind of monetary or time-off bonus for doing other people's work for them.  That is what I would appreciate.  I don't mind being a team player, but don't piss in my water and tell me it's lemonade, you know?

I confess that I have been a really negative person lately, and I hate that.  I don't want to be a Debby Downer all the time.  Someone at work said I should try to be a "Polly Positive" instead.  Sounds nice, but I sort of wanted to punch her.  Guess I'm still a Nancy...

I confess that this link-up has actually been really refreshing.  Maybe I'll make it a regular thing from now on.

Taking Stock

So, I saw Michelle from Mish Lovin Life post a taking stock survey that she found over on Pip's blog and it looked fun, so I decided to play along.

Making: Plans for when my in-laws come to visit in one week!  While most would run and hide, I really enjoy mine, so I a, looking forward to the company.
Cooking: Turkey burgers on the grill and corn on the cub.  Oh, and I also made a kick butt cobbler yesterday.
Drinking: This fabulous new Strawberry Hard Cider I discovered from Crown Valley Brewery. 
Reading: Insurgent, the second book of the Divergent Series.  Even though the movie was sub par, I loved the book.
Wanting: PCS (military moving) orders somewhere different.  I'm looking at you, Denver, England, or Germany.
Looking: like a hot mess due to the lack of sleep from my cough and Gomez waking up in the middle of the night now and barking.  What's up with that??
Playing: Bingo on my phone.  Dobbing those numbers is addicting!
Wasting: my life away right now.  See below.
Wishing: for a purpose.  Or the sign to my purpose.  Screw that, no sign.  Someone just tell me what my purpose is!!
Enjoying: the spring weather we have been having.  Finally!
Waiting: for our house to sell.  It officially went on the market today.
Liking: how cuddly the pups have been lately.  Pug cuddles are the best!
Wondering: if/when I am going to get the all clear for our move to Korea.
Loving: that my four year anniversary is this weekend.  Things have been clicking pretty well with Joel lately, and I am more in love than ever.
Hoping: that we will magically receive orders somewhere else (are you sensing the tren here?!).
Marveling: at how the only thing constant is change.
Needing: to find a job in Korea so I don't go crazy.
Smelling: my new strawberry picnic candle from B&BW.
Wearing: my boring work clothes.  Whomp, whomp...
Following: more people on twitter and instagram to combat my late night boredom.  Wanna follow me? Twitter or Instagram - Let me know and I'll follow back!
Noticing: that there are finally flowers growing in our little garden that we planted last fall.
Knowing: that in about a month my stress level will hit the roof.  Thanks, Air Force.  I am not amused.
Thinking: that I should be more grateful for the blessing in my life versus complaining about the bad.  There's a lot of good going on, too.  Venting is just a stress release for me.
Feeling: overwhelmed.  The next house we buy better be our last... 
Bookmarking: travel spots that will be easily accessible to us in Korea.  Embrace the suck, right?
Opening: another box of K-Cups.  Coffee is the secret to life.
Giggling: at cute animal videos on Vine.
Feeling: happy that I am back to blogging more regularly.

Five on Friday

1.  Happy Friday everyone!  And a Happy Good Friday to you, as well.  I am already hungry because of the fast today, but if Jesus can die for my sins then, well...I suppose going hungry today is the least I can do.  This area is pretty traditional, so we have service at 3pm today, and then we will attend vigil tomorrow.  What a solemn time of remembrance, but what an amazing celebration at the conclusion.

2.  I know that I never re-capped my birthday festivities, but they were pretty awesome.  We saw Once at the Fabulous Fox Theater in STL.  I have a love affair with this theater anyways, but I am continually excited to see a show there.  There was no orchestra, so we actually splurged for my big day and bought seats that were where the orchestra normally is.  We were fourth row!  They had a working bar on stage, and at intermission we got up and got a drink.  How fun is that?

3.  Also, this is how cool my boss is.  When I came into work, this was the state of my office.

4.  Spring has finally sprung in the Midwest!  Which I guess is appropriate, since we have to de-clutter our house to sell and do some spring cleaning.  The temperatures have been pleasant, and this weekend looks to be fantastic for it!  And look how pretty my tree is!!

5.  As mentioned above, we are putting our house on the market.  I don't know how I ever convinced to by a house while still in the military life.  I love our little house and have loved living there, but the market has been stagnant, and we could stand to lose more than I am comfortable with if the buyers are too stingy.  I just pray that it all works out, but I never realized how expensive and stressful it could be!  Buying a home was a breeze compared to selling.  Oy...

Five on Friday

1.  Oh my goodness you guys...this is my last weekend in my 20s.  Eek!  I turn 30 next week.  Another decade.  I am getting so OLD!  I am totally taking my birthday off of work to mourn...

2.  I love where I work, I really do.  The work isn't too demanding, I have great hours, and a fabulous boss.  But, I work with nearly all men, and geeky computer engineers at that.  Most of them don't have basic manners, and they have been grinding on me lately.  Like for example: today, I microwaved my food in the microwave right next to my office.  The diner went off, I got up to get it, and someone was taking my food out of the microwave to put his in.  It hadn't even been three seconds.  Don't touch my food, nasty man!!

3.  I have such a fun filled weekend, but I still have this horrible cough.  I have a concert, two dinners, and a musical to attend.  I need to feel better ASAP!

4.  I just want to say I think it's ridiculous how much graduation regalia costs.  My cap, gown, and 25 announcements, with shipping, cost over $150.  That's insane!!!  Luckily I'm not piled up with debt after graduating.  I see now why so many people skip it, but I want to be "hooded" (I was so jealous of the graduate students when I got my Bachelor's), so it's a necessary expense...

5.  We are meeting with a realtor this afternoon to see about listing our house.  This makes me super sad.  I love our little home, and hate to let it go.

Five on Friday

 

 Happy Friday, folks!  I am so happy that this week has come to a close.  It's been fine, but this weekend makes the work week all worth it.  So, let's get started with 5 on Friday!

1.  Umm...wanna know why I am excited?  We leave for Miami this weekend for our cruise.  It's going to be legen - wait for it - dairy!  (Can you tell I've been watching HIMYM this week on Netflix?)  I can't wait.  I will finally get to see Sun Life Stadium (even if it's closed) and have some fun on South Beach.  Plus, it's supposed to snow here in St. Louis while we are gone.  No, thank you!

2.  My sleeping has been horrendous this week.  If it's not one thing, it's another.  Lack of sleep is definitely a trigger for my migraines, and I've had a headache for the past two days.  I am going to blame it on lack of sleep, and hang on to the fact that those shots are still working.  Sounds legit, right?  Need more coffee...

3.  So, I am really starting to fall in love with our foster dog.  I want to keep him so badly, but we are only allowed to have two pets in Korea as it is, and I especially think that a fourth will be frowned upon.  But, just look at hm?  If you don't immediately fall in love with him, I don't know what to say.  Anyone want to foster him for two years until we get back?

4.  Speaking of dogs, Gomez has been really red and itchy lately.  We have been giving him his allergy shots, and just got to the higher concentrated dosage.  I hope it isn't too much for him.  Poor guy...I worry about him so much.  I've never had allergies, so I can only imagine how uncomfortable he must be.

5.  Anyone ever been to Seattle or Boston and have some amazing tips they'd like to give me?  I have those trips coming up this simmer, and I've never been.  I welcome any and all suggestions.

Happy Friday, everyone!!

Five on Friday

Happy Friday, peeps!  I am so excited this wonderful day is finally hear.  And I happen to have Monday off from work.  Double score!  Well, as long as we don't get the ice storm they are predicting.  If we do, there's a strong possibility I won't leave my house on Monday. We'll see!?

1.  Tonight, thanks to my awesome former advisor at my Graduate University, I will be meeting with Temple Grandin for a small group Q&A session.  Don't know who she is?  Google her!  She's a fascinating woman.  They even made a movie about her starring Claire Danes.  It's a great film.  anyways...the session is supposed to be for current students, but she knew how interested I'd be, so she got me a seat.  Then, we will hear her speak later in the evening.  I am so stoked!

2.  Tomorrow, I talked a friend into going to a girls' night out exercise class at a local studio. . It's called "Stiletto Sculpt."  I understand I'm not "sexy" in any way, and I'm sure my skills will be quite comical, but it just sounds so fun!  Plus, I need to reach out to my inner girly-girl.  She's been absent a while.  I basically begged everyone I know to go, and only got one lonely victim taker.  I'm sure we'll have a blast, though.

3.  Speaking of girly things, I spontaneously booked a weekend away is Seattle for June with a friend of mine.  Joel's been a hundred times, but I never had, and I'm in serious need of some time away.  Joel's always my preferred travel buddy, but I'm really looking forward to the trip.  My friend lives in Denver, and even though we've known each other for years, we have never met.  The internet's a crazy thing.  She was in the military, and that's how we made the connection.  Funny enough, she lived in Chicago until about a month before we moved to STL.  With this move to Korea, we realized it was probably now or never.  Now, I just have to figure out what to do!

4.  I'm still trying to come to terms with this move.  We have the tentative Command Sponsorship (which is what allows me to go with my husband), so now I have medical exams and mental health exams to take to ensure I'm not crazy or dying.  I wonder if they give those same exams when we leave Korea?!  Because I may be certifiable if I don't find employment ASAP.  I'm looking at teaching on base (which isn't likely because I am only licensed to teach special education, which they have minimal positions for), English as a Second Language (ESL) to the Koreans (and I have no idea where to start), or being an adjunct professor at one of the local Universities (which I'm not sure I have a good shot at).  I'd also be very interested in finding a similar government position, but there has not been one opening since I have started looking.

5.  Lastly...less than a month until my cruise.  Eek!  Mexico, here I come!

Five on Friday!

Hallelujah, it's finally Friday!  I need this week to be over so badly.  Just 8-ish hours stands between me and my weekend starting.  Can we say yay???

Linking up!

1.  It is now less than one month until I am on my way to the MIA for a little fun in the sun and our cruise.  It seriously can't get here soon enough.  We've pre-booked a cute place in Miami for the night, as well as our excursions and entertainment on the cruise.  I don't want to think about a thing once I step foot out of St. Louis except about where the next tasty cocktail is coming from.

2.  I have had a heck of a week, physically.  My doctor put me on new meds for my migraines, which worked pretty well (yay!), but caused severe insomnia.  I stopped functioning like a normal human being, so I stopped taking them.  Today I have to go in for a thyroid test and a test for a possible mass that may be releasing adrenaline unnecessarily in my body.  Fun?!

3.  I remember back in Indiana having girlfriends that would just stop by (or vice-versa) for girl chat, to watch one of our favorite shows, or to make dinner together.  I miss having that kind of friend dearly, and lately I've been wondering if I will ever find that again.  Joel makes a pretty good substitute, and I do have friends in the area, but not ones that stop by every Thursday to gossip and watch Scandal, you know??

4.  I am still in the "I don't want to move" phase.  Denial, I think it's called?!  Anyways, I think I am starting to drive Joel nuts with my attitude about this.  Of course I'll move, and I'm sure it will be fine, but I'm really bummed out about the whole thing.  We finally got our tentative command sponsorship, and were told that we have to live on base (my nightmare), but even having some finality on things isn't making me feel better.

5.  I think my goad this weekend is to sleep as long as humanly possible.  I have a lot of stuff I want to do, but I think I ma going to worry about numero uno, and that's my comfy bed.  Maybe I can lure Joel with sweets to take care of the dogs this weekend and let me sleep in.  He's pretty good about being bribed.

I'm the kind of girl who...

I'm the kind of girl who...



*  tries to enjoy the silly side of life.

*  probably knows more about football than you do.

*  wants to be a girly girl, too, but is clueless with all things make-up/hair.

*  will never get her fill of seeing the world.

*  is a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

*  knows exactly what she wants to do, but has no idea how to get there.

*  wishes she could be a professional intellectual, always learning new things.

*  could spend all day in bed reading.

*  would adopt every animal she could.

*  believes her dogs are sadly better behaved than most children nowadays.

*  worries all the time about everything.

*  is punctual to a fault, and judges others who aren't.

*  wants to see the best in people, but often sees the opposite.

*  cries as the drop of a hat, but at the same time loves a good cry sesh.

*  has control issues and has to have everything planned, and has major panic attacks when things don't go as planned (AKA anything with the military).

What kind of girl are you?  Link up below!

Pets are people, too!

I couldn't resist linking up for this, and I will leave you with one picture that indeed proves that pets are people, too: a sneak peek at our dogs' 2014Halloween costumes.

Link up here or here!

Well, I don't really have anything new or exciting to share today, so thanks to Ech and Will, I found this awesome link-up!  Won't you join along?

 

 

1. Where are you seated (near the counter, near the window, near the door, against the wall, etc.)?  I am currently at work, so I am at my desk in the middle of our area, and unfortunately have no windows nearby.  I hate missing the world while I am at work.

2. What are you sipping/munching on? I just finished my daily coffee, and am now working my way through some water and a banana.  It's my daily morning routine.

 

3. What do you want to get off your chest first (can be as deep as you want)?  As much as everyone tells me that I will love Korea and it'll be better than I expect, I don't want to go.  I had visions of what life would be like this summer, and none of it involved a move to Korea.  Make to Europe, sure, or even a prolonged American adventure.  But, not Korea.  Where it's hard to find a job, where I will have to live on base (which I personally loathe), where my husband will be constantly busy, and where I have no family or friends nearby.  I am saddened beyond belief, and I certainly may change my mind once I get there, right now, no matter how irrational, I don't want to go.  I can not conceptualize a happy life there.

4. If you could choose anyone (besides us of course) who would you have a coffee with?  I have two gals that live in Denver, which is where I wanted to move, that I would love to have a coffee date with.  I feel like they "get" me, which I haven't found locally in a while.

 
5. What is inspiring you lately?  Women that work hard for what they want.  Right now, my personal goal for 2014 is being the best "me" that I can be.  But, that's going to take work.  I want to be in better shape, but I need to work for it.  I want to learn more about our world and the people and events that make us who we are today, but I need to work for it.  I want to be a better wife, but I need to work for it.  I want to be a better Disciple for the Lord, but I need to work for it.  I read many blogs where women are doing these very things, and it's so inspiring.  It's encouraging.  If they can do it, I can do it, too. 

6. What are your plans after coffee?  Today, pretty much just work.  I plan on going to the gym later, but tomorrow...oh, man.  I have a day off from work, so I am starting my day with a massage, and whatever else I feel like.

What You Should Ask Yourself Before 2013 Is Over - Part 2

Sharing part two of the list I found over at Everything Happens For a Reason!

11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?  During my student teaching.  I had to come up with creative lesson plans that not only excited the students, but that met specific state and University standards.  I am the least domestic gal you'd ever meet, but I had fun piecing some of these lessons together.

12. What projects have I completed?  Other than my degree, not very much.  That's been my main focus.  We did do a bathroom reno and worked on our yard, though.  Those count, right?

13. How have I procrastinated?  The better question would be how haven't I procrastinated.  I completely do most things last minute.  Maybe I just work better under pressure.

14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?  I'd like to create an "everyday life" schedule, so that I have a plan to stick to.  Now that I have more free time, I'd like to spend it being (mostly) productive, so I plan on scheduling time in my day to read and exercise, and also play with the pups.  They haven't had the play time they deserve lately, and Pugsley is getting so old I don't know how much longer we will have with him.

15. How have I allowed fear of failure hold me back?  I literally doubt every personal decision that I make, and wonder if I made the right choice.  For some reason, professionally I am confident in what I do.  But personally?  I am always afraid of the unknown and change.  I wish I could learn to be more confident all around.

16. Where has self-doubt taken over?  See above.

17. When have I felt the most alive?  When I travel, but in 2013, most specifically in the Galapagos.  It combined my love of travel with my love of animals, and I cried tears of pure joy that I was able to have that experience.  It was utterly amazing, and I will never forget it.

18. How have I taught others to respect me?  I honestly have no idea how to answer this one.  I am who I am, and I won't change that for anyone.  I stick to my principles, and am loyal to a fault.  Hopefully I have gained others' respect from that.

19. How can I improve my relationships?  I can be more attentive and a better listener.  Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my own world and with what I am doing that I often don't truly listen to what others have to say.  I can also work on making that extra step in communication.  Being so far away from so many that I love is hard.  I struggle with putting in more effort than I am given, but sometimes someone has to do that, right?

20. Have I been unfair to anyone?  I often expect perfection from Joel, even though I am far from it.  I love him with all of my heart, and I need to understand that he loves me too, and therefore tries his best.  I need to learn how to love him in all of his faults, too, because I know that he always means well.

What You Should Ask Yourself Before 2013 Is Over - Part 1

I recently read a blog post over at Everything Happens For a Reason, and she mentioned this article about questions you should ask yourself before the end of the year has come.  Being that it is December, I guess there's no time like the present.  So, here goes - part 1!

1.  What am I most proud of this year?  This one is easy.  I am most proud that I finished my Master's Degree.  I debated many times on whether or not I should keep going on with it or quit.  It was an arduous program, at I can't believe that I can finally say I'm done.  It's done.  And with a 4.0!!

2.  How can I become a better _____________?  Gosh, what couldn't I put here.  I want to be a better friend, wife, fitness freak, scholar...so I am going to go ahead and say that I want to learn how to be a better "me."  Not many people know this, but I'm pretty insecure about all aspects of my life.  I need to learn to have more confidence in myself, and then I can work on all of the other things.

3.  Where am I feeling stuck?  In my career.  While I enjoy what I do, it's not where I pictured myself at this point in my life.  Hopefully now that I'm done with my MA program, I can work on bettering that.

4.  Where do I need to allow myself grace?  In life.  Too broad?  I need to realize it's not ok to be perfect, and that everyone has their faults.

5.  Am I passionate about my career?  Not my current career, but I'm passionate about moving forward and having that career where I am making a difference.
 
6.  What lessons have I learned?  How to accept others (more) for their differences, how to have patience, and how to be less awkward around children.

7.  What did my finances look like?  My finances were comfortable, but a little more tight when I was student teaching.  Now that I am back to a full paycheck, I feel good about my financial state.

8.  How did I spend my free time?  Traveling when I could, going to shows, and being with those I love.
 
9.  How well did I take care of my body, mind, and soul?  Not very well.  I have not been kind to my body with the right foods and exercise, I haven't let my mind be curious and explore (too much schoolwork), and I haven't been in touch with God like I should have.  I'm hoping to work on all of these things soon.
 
10.  How have I been open-minded?  I am trying to be open minded about this upcoming move to Korea.  I loved living in Germany, but Korea is so (excuse the pun) foreign to me, and I don't know what to expect.  I am not excited about this move, but I am trying to stay open minded about the whole thing, rather than just pout and be miserable.

Sunday Social

Trying to get back in the blogging groove, and what better way than with a link-up!  Follow along, won't you?

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?  My go-to favorite is Cookies N Cream.  Also, anything with pumpkin or white chocolate is a winner.  Starbucks had a pumpkin spiced latte ice cream one year that blew my mind away.

Image found here.

2. What is your favorite smell?  Pumpkin and cinnamon in the winter and fall, and lavender in the spring.  In the summer, it is anything fruity.

3. What is your favorite TV commercial?  Right now, it is the commercials with the AT&T guy and the kids being candid.  Those kids crack me up!

4. What is your favorite day of the week?  Right now, especially, it's Sunday.  And for three reasons:  football, football, and football.  It's also usually a day where more stuff that needs to get done around the house does, and I always like that feeling of being productive.

5. What is your favorite way to waste time?  Catching up on my DVR and Netflix queue.

6. What is your favorite article of clothing?  Do shoes count?  I'm just going to go ahead and say yes, because they are shoes, and shoes always count.  My favorite ones are these boots that were originally $200, but I kept waiting and waiting for them to go on sale at Dillard's, and when they finally did, they were only $44.  I purchased them immediately, and will wear them until they fall apart.

Story of My Life - Day 17

Link up here!

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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.
_____________________________________________________________________________

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).