Not much to report. Just fighting the flu, subbing, and working at the SLAC. Hope I don't have to miss subbing on Thursday.
08 November 2009
Are you there, God? It's me, Anne.
Whew. This deployment is almost done. As I write this with phlegm clogging my esophagus, I can't help but wonder: How the crap did I get through that? Looking back at everything that has happened over the past year, it's kinda nuts. But it's over. Little over 60 days until Max leaves Iraq, and probably less than 80 until he is home. :) We both are so excited!!! He is only going to work for a month at the TACC (armory), and then live at home for good. YEAH!
07 July 2009
I really suck at updating this.
I can't believe I haven't posted since March. Dang, I suck.
The first few months haven't been without stress. I could go into so much detail here, but it's just too long of a list to put on here; it'd turn into a grump fest. Believe me, if anything crappy could happen, it happened. It seemed that no matter where I turned, God was taking another giant dump on me. They weren't little things, like fixing light bulbs or needing to do yard work and needing help with it. That stuff I can do. These were huge issues that I had to deal with that waited for me around every corner. Thankfully, I have amazing friends and family that help me with everything I need. Without them, I would seriously probably be on depression meds right now.
It's been going ok lately. I'm starting to be used to Max being gone (which sucks to say, but it's sadly true). It's not like I don't recognize his absence, and it doesn't mean that I'm not sad and have bad days. I just have accepted it. I had major issues sleeping in the first few months, and those are starting to come back again, but it's not nearly as bad as it was. My work was affected by my tiredness, as I could hardly stay awake during the day because of lack of sleep. Fortunately, I have an amazing boss (who also happens to be family) who is very understanding and empathetic to my situation, and has never hesitated to listen and help in any way that she can.
Max is coming home in three weeks for R and R! I'm SO EXCITED to see him. The more I think about it, the more weepy I get because I'm so ecstatic about it. It seems like forever since I saw him last. I keep thinking about meeting him at the gate, seeing him come out of that terminal and just hardly believing that it's really him. He'll come out of the gate in his ACUs, wearing his combat boots and holding a bag. The first we're going to do is hug, a huge hug that we've been waiting for since forever. Just hug and hug and hug. I don't care how long we stand there, just so long as we get to have a moment where we're the only ones who exist. I. Can't. Wait. It's the most amazing thing ever to be able to just KNOW that he's coming home, let alone the fact that I'll actually be seeing him in a few short weeks. I'm already stocking the freezer with things I can cook while he's here, and am putting the final touches on our master bathroom, which I have spent a couple of months re-doing (floor, paint, hardware, curtains, you name it!) It looks SO GOOD. The walls are a tan color, and the accent colors are deep red and chocolate brown. It looks FABULOUS! I can't wait for him to see it.
Max's cat is going to crap his pants when he sees Max for the first time. He (cat) is obsessed with being by the computer whenever I am on it (he was able to see Max on webcam, and always comes over to check if he's online), and more recently with running to me when my phone rings, since he heard Max's voice while we were talking a couple of mornings ago. I can't wait to see the reaction!
God, I love that guy. Max and I are a perfect match. I've heard it so many times from so many different people, but the more I think about it and the more we talk, the more I know how true that statement is. I can't wait until we can finally, FINALLY have the life we've been dreaming of since day one. When he comes home next year for good, we'll finally be able to live together consistently, not only a couple of weekends a month. It'll be an absolute dream, and I can hardly wait.
The first few months haven't been without stress. I could go into so much detail here, but it's just too long of a list to put on here; it'd turn into a grump fest. Believe me, if anything crappy could happen, it happened. It seemed that no matter where I turned, God was taking another giant dump on me. They weren't little things, like fixing light bulbs or needing to do yard work and needing help with it. That stuff I can do. These were huge issues that I had to deal with that waited for me around every corner. Thankfully, I have amazing friends and family that help me with everything I need. Without them, I would seriously probably be on depression meds right now.
It's been going ok lately. I'm starting to be used to Max being gone (which sucks to say, but it's sadly true). It's not like I don't recognize his absence, and it doesn't mean that I'm not sad and have bad days. I just have accepted it. I had major issues sleeping in the first few months, and those are starting to come back again, but it's not nearly as bad as it was. My work was affected by my tiredness, as I could hardly stay awake during the day because of lack of sleep. Fortunately, I have an amazing boss (who also happens to be family) who is very understanding and empathetic to my situation, and has never hesitated to listen and help in any way that she can.
Max is coming home in three weeks for R and R! I'm SO EXCITED to see him. The more I think about it, the more weepy I get because I'm so ecstatic about it. It seems like forever since I saw him last. I keep thinking about meeting him at the gate, seeing him come out of that terminal and just hardly believing that it's really him. He'll come out of the gate in his ACUs, wearing his combat boots and holding a bag. The first we're going to do is hug, a huge hug that we've been waiting for since forever. Just hug and hug and hug. I don't care how long we stand there, just so long as we get to have a moment where we're the only ones who exist. I. Can't. Wait. It's the most amazing thing ever to be able to just KNOW that he's coming home, let alone the fact that I'll actually be seeing him in a few short weeks. I'm already stocking the freezer with things I can cook while he's here, and am putting the final touches on our master bathroom, which I have spent a couple of months re-doing (floor, paint, hardware, curtains, you name it!) It looks SO GOOD. The walls are a tan color, and the accent colors are deep red and chocolate brown. It looks FABULOUS! I can't wait for him to see it.
Max's cat is going to crap his pants when he sees Max for the first time. He (cat) is obsessed with being by the computer whenever I am on it (he was able to see Max on webcam, and always comes over to check if he's online), and more recently with running to me when my phone rings, since he heard Max's voice while we were talking a couple of mornings ago. I can't wait to see the reaction!
God, I love that guy. Max and I are a perfect match. I've heard it so many times from so many different people, but the more I think about it and the more we talk, the more I know how true that statement is. I can't wait until we can finally, FINALLY have the life we've been dreaming of since day one. When he comes home next year for good, we'll finally be able to live together consistently, not only a couple of weekends a month. It'll be an absolute dream, and I can hardly wait.
29 March 2009
Today was pretty fun; I had dinner with Max's entire extended family on his Mom's side, which was awesome. It's interesting to see the dynamics that exist within the family; everyone has their own quirks, favorite people, etc. I really loved that I got to see my sisters-in-law Melanie and Jenna, mother-in-law Kimm, and Kimm's friend Carmon, who is really cool. They hung out for a little bit before and after the dinner, which was at Bona Casa. It was SO NICE to just chillax with them, I love them so much and wish they were around here more. They offered to come and visit, and also for me to come visit them, whenever I need, if I am ever lonely or sad or just want to hang out. They also brought Kimm's dog Zippy with them, who is sooo cute. :) He is a funny little terrier of some kind, and my cats were kind of weirded out by him. Sam finally sniffed his butt and accepted him a little bit, but Mike bailed the minute he saw Zippy come in.
Kind of tired this evening, watching movies on a channel I didn't know I had. Enchanted was on a little bit ago, and now Spiderman 3 is on. I guess the STARZ network was a free trial for however long, and the trial is still going on, so that was a happy discovery.
I am starting to feel the stress of deployment a little more now; doing ok, but it's becoming a lot more real as the weeks are going by. It was icky before, but I was used to him being gone. Now it's more of a "whoa... ok, he really isn't coming home this weekend, or any weekend." I can't imagine being used to him being gone. I know it'll probably happen eventually but holy cannoli. I would love for him to walk in the door right now, give me a huge hug, and tell me that it's all cancelled. I definitely should have gotten more hugs in before he left. Maybe bottled them or something for later use. That'd be nice.
My little goddaughter Lily has learned how to hug; I laughed so hard in church yesterday when I suddenly felt my shoulder being slammed into by a tiny head. What she does is ram her head into you, hold it there, and if she wants to hug you again, slam her head into you multiple more times. I laughed SO HARD. She is absolutely adorable, and makes my whole day. I can't wait to see her again. I almost got to babysit her today, but I had the dinner with Max's family. Soon, I hope, it will happen! That or just having schedules line up to go over there and visit. I love that whole family. Don and Carrie are so perfect together, and they are such wonderful parents as well as just all around great people. I am so fortunate to have them as family!
Family seems to be the theme this evening; I love nothing more than being with family. Sometimes families get on each other's nerves, but when it is all said and done, a family is a truly remarkable thing. I love mine.
Well, time to find something else to do.
Kind of tired this evening, watching movies on a channel I didn't know I had. Enchanted was on a little bit ago, and now Spiderman 3 is on. I guess the STARZ network was a free trial for however long, and the trial is still going on, so that was a happy discovery.
I am starting to feel the stress of deployment a little more now; doing ok, but it's becoming a lot more real as the weeks are going by. It was icky before, but I was used to him being gone. Now it's more of a "whoa... ok, he really isn't coming home this weekend, or any weekend." I can't imagine being used to him being gone. I know it'll probably happen eventually but holy cannoli. I would love for him to walk in the door right now, give me a huge hug, and tell me that it's all cancelled. I definitely should have gotten more hugs in before he left. Maybe bottled them or something for later use. That'd be nice.
My little goddaughter Lily has learned how to hug; I laughed so hard in church yesterday when I suddenly felt my shoulder being slammed into by a tiny head. What she does is ram her head into you, hold it there, and if she wants to hug you again, slam her head into you multiple more times. I laughed SO HARD. She is absolutely adorable, and makes my whole day. I can't wait to see her again. I almost got to babysit her today, but I had the dinner with Max's family. Soon, I hope, it will happen! That or just having schedules line up to go over there and visit. I love that whole family. Don and Carrie are so perfect together, and they are such wonderful parents as well as just all around great people. I am so fortunate to have them as family!
Family seems to be the theme this evening; I love nothing more than being with family. Sometimes families get on each other's nerves, but when it is all said and done, a family is a truly remarkable thing. I love mine.
Well, time to find something else to do.
22 March 2009
Since the last time I posted, I've officially graduated, become licensed as a professional music educator, and said goodbye to my husband for a year or so of deployment. My, how life changes!
Sounds like the barracks in Fort Lewis are not too lovely-- they're the originals from WWII, so you can only imagine the shape they're in. Anything is better than Iraq, I guess, but yuck! I'm sure I'm not the only spouse who wishes they could fly out there and make everything better. The facilities are nice though, Max tells me, as far as workout and recreation and stuff, so that is awesome. I'm just glad that the ball is finally rolling on this whole thing, and we are done waiting. Now it's just counting down the days until he gets his booty home and we can finally start our lives together. Only 390-some days left until Max will be home, LIVING AT HOME, and we will finally, finally finally be able to be a married couple. Not a phone marriage anymore, but a real married couple. It's so nice when he's home! Seems, though, like just when we get comfy, he has to leave again, so it'll be really nice when he is back for good.
I am impressed with myself as far as my positive attitude, I am trying really hard to be upbeat and happy in public. People who know me best seem to be able to tell when something is wrong, but to others, I guess I'm doing pretty well. So that's good. I really feel like a positive attitude is the remedy to any craptastic situation, and will likely help the time go by faster, so I'm trying my best. Sure, some nights are really bad, but you just have to push through to the next day. One week down, many to go!
I would just like to throw in here that my goddaughter, Lily, is ADORABLE. We were playing with her in church a couple of weeks ago and she was so cute. She seemed to be fascinated by Max because she kept staring at him and reaching up to touch his face. Max thought it might be because he is bald much like she is, but I personally felt that it was because he is so good with kids. :) Lily is a little sweetheart and I just love holding her and playing with her!
My sisters are both in Europe right now, which is cool for them. They are having a great time, especially since Kate gets to visit our friend Stephanie, too, and our cousin Moosh. I wish I could be there with them! Someday... I can't wait until they are all home. I miss having people around.
Bah, I can't sleep. I need to get to bed.
Sounds like the barracks in Fort Lewis are not too lovely-- they're the originals from WWII, so you can only imagine the shape they're in. Anything is better than Iraq, I guess, but yuck! I'm sure I'm not the only spouse who wishes they could fly out there and make everything better. The facilities are nice though, Max tells me, as far as workout and recreation and stuff, so that is awesome. I'm just glad that the ball is finally rolling on this whole thing, and we are done waiting. Now it's just counting down the days until he gets his booty home and we can finally start our lives together. Only 390-some days left until Max will be home, LIVING AT HOME, and we will finally, finally finally be able to be a married couple. Not a phone marriage anymore, but a real married couple. It's so nice when he's home! Seems, though, like just when we get comfy, he has to leave again, so it'll be really nice when he is back for good.
I am impressed with myself as far as my positive attitude, I am trying really hard to be upbeat and happy in public. People who know me best seem to be able to tell when something is wrong, but to others, I guess I'm doing pretty well. So that's good. I really feel like a positive attitude is the remedy to any craptastic situation, and will likely help the time go by faster, so I'm trying my best. Sure, some nights are really bad, but you just have to push through to the next day. One week down, many to go!
I would just like to throw in here that my goddaughter, Lily, is ADORABLE. We were playing with her in church a couple of weeks ago and she was so cute. She seemed to be fascinated by Max because she kept staring at him and reaching up to touch his face. Max thought it might be because he is bald much like she is, but I personally felt that it was because he is so good with kids. :) Lily is a little sweetheart and I just love holding her and playing with her!
My sisters are both in Europe right now, which is cool for them. They are having a great time, especially since Kate gets to visit our friend Stephanie, too, and our cousin Moosh. I wish I could be there with them! Someday... I can't wait until they are all home. I miss having people around.
Bah, I can't sleep. I need to get to bed.
16 January 2009
I'M IN LOVE!!!
Holy crap. I just used this: http://www.paulmitchell.com/Products/TeaTree/LavenderMint/Pages/LavenderMintMoisturizingBodyWash.aspx
and it is amazing. It's Paul Mitchell's TeaTree lavender mint product... I used the conditioner, but I will be going back asap to get the body wash, too. OH MY GOD!!! SO AMAZING!!! It smells so good. I never realized the huge difference that good product makes, and I splurged on the conditioner and also a CostCutters bottle of clarifying shampoo, and I have never felt so clean on my head in my life. Wow. I fully intend on making this my scent. Not even kidding. If I can't get a hold of Kate, I'll be back in Rice Lake tomorrow to make a very important purchase of that body wash and perhaps the shampoo. I'll give the Suave I am suffering with to Mom. Seriously. Omg. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I might pee my pants. I love that scent. It almost smells like Aveda. Only better. Omg. omgomgomgomgomgomgomg.
and it is amazing. It's Paul Mitchell's TeaTree lavender mint product... I used the conditioner, but I will be going back asap to get the body wash, too. OH MY GOD!!! SO AMAZING!!! It smells so good. I never realized the huge difference that good product makes, and I splurged on the conditioner and also a CostCutters bottle of clarifying shampoo, and I have never felt so clean on my head in my life. Wow. I fully intend on making this my scent. Not even kidding. If I can't get a hold of Kate, I'll be back in Rice Lake tomorrow to make a very important purchase of that body wash and perhaps the shampoo. I'll give the Suave I am suffering with to Mom. Seriously. Omg. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING. I might pee my pants. I love that scent. It almost smells like Aveda. Only better. Omg. omgomgomgomgomgomgomg.
11 January 2009
Jeepers, I only have two weeks left of student teaching!! I graduated on December 20th from college with my degree in music education, and am starting to wind down as far as classes and stuff go. My cooperating teacher and I are trading off in 7th grade band, so that we can prepare them for their upcoming contest, but it is also serving as a great way to kind of phase me out of there and give Kim her band back. I told the 7th graders on Friday that myself and the other student teacher are done on January 23rd... the reaction was not too happy. They were so confused as to why we had to go; couldn't we just stay? "Mrs. Bryan, you already have an office! Just stay here and be our teacher!" It was adorable, and also very sad. I'm going to miss those kids. One of the bass clarinets had tears in her eyes when I looked over there, and it made me feel loved, but very sorry that I'm going to have to leave those kids to start my own life.
Just finished watching the Golden Globes, and was very happy to see that Heath Ledger received the Posthumous award for his role as the Joker. Seriously, that role made the whole movie. It was AWESOME!! I couldn't believe that he was the same guy from Ten Things I Hate About You.
I've started collected books on military separation, as Max is leaving 2 months from today. I have already read one really great one, and have ordered four more from MilitaryOneSource.com, in addition to the one that Mom ordered from Amazon tonight. I didn't realize how much better I would feel reading about other women's experiences going through deployment, and it just made me want to find more books so that I am that much more prepared. We had kind of a "coming out" discussion last weekend, and talked about how we're feeling and what we need and what we hope for the future, etc. We're buying out his sister's half of the house, which is AWESOME, because I am so sick of being financially connected to her. We'll buy her out this one time, and when she blows all of that cash on video games, it won't be our problem. Sweet.
I babysat my aunt Jane's dog last weekend, Shawna, and she is SO CUTE. 8 week old mini dachsund, and I was in love. Of course, she screamed all the time and pooped 4 or 5 times, but it was so great to have a dog in the house. Sounds like we might get one when Max returns, but that is still under discussion.
We got a week and a half together over Christmas, and let me tell you, it was amazing. Finally, we were living together and being a real married couple! It was the best week and a half I think I have ever had. We had so much fun, and I can't wait until 2010 when he is back and here 24/7. That must be so fun, to have a husband that comes home every night and is there with you. I know sometimes people complain about stupid things that men do, but really, they are so lucky to be able to complain. I would much rather be irritated that there are dirty dishes in the living room than sit around wondering what to do with my spare time. Family helps a lot, though; my family Christmas was the happiest I have been in a very long time. Max was there, which was great, and I was surrounded by the people in this world that mean the most to me. It was most excellent. Very busy, but I LOVE IT. I have loved it since the first time I can remember, and can't imagine having any other family. (Max has 15-18 in his family. Including extended. That's it, 15 people. How weird is that??? That's like... my immediate family and my aunt Jackie's family. Not including the other 5 brothers and sisters and all of their families.)
I start working with my cousin Tara at the Shell Lake Arts Center this spring, as soon as my student teaching finishes. I'm basically going to be a mini-Tara, helping her with everything that she needs me to do. I have worked there every summer (but one) during college, so I know the place inside and out. It's a part time gig, so I'm going to work three days a week and substitute on Mondays and Fridays for 4 or 5 districts in the area. If I don't get a gig... oooooh, so sad, a four day weekend!! I'm going to hold off on most of the subbing until after March, so that I can spend those long weekends with Max in MN, but if I can't make it there, or if we decide on every other weekend, then I'll teach.
Well, I better go. Laundry calls.
Just finished watching the Golden Globes, and was very happy to see that Heath Ledger received the Posthumous award for his role as the Joker. Seriously, that role made the whole movie. It was AWESOME!! I couldn't believe that he was the same guy from Ten Things I Hate About You.
I've started collected books on military separation, as Max is leaving 2 months from today. I have already read one really great one, and have ordered four more from MilitaryOneSource.com, in addition to the one that Mom ordered from Amazon tonight. I didn't realize how much better I would feel reading about other women's experiences going through deployment, and it just made me want to find more books so that I am that much more prepared. We had kind of a "coming out" discussion last weekend, and talked about how we're feeling and what we need and what we hope for the future, etc. We're buying out his sister's half of the house, which is AWESOME, because I am so sick of being financially connected to her. We'll buy her out this one time, and when she blows all of that cash on video games, it won't be our problem. Sweet.
I babysat my aunt Jane's dog last weekend, Shawna, and she is SO CUTE. 8 week old mini dachsund, and I was in love. Of course, she screamed all the time and pooped 4 or 5 times, but it was so great to have a dog in the house. Sounds like we might get one when Max returns, but that is still under discussion.
We got a week and a half together over Christmas, and let me tell you, it was amazing. Finally, we were living together and being a real married couple! It was the best week and a half I think I have ever had. We had so much fun, and I can't wait until 2010 when he is back and here 24/7. That must be so fun, to have a husband that comes home every night and is there with you. I know sometimes people complain about stupid things that men do, but really, they are so lucky to be able to complain. I would much rather be irritated that there are dirty dishes in the living room than sit around wondering what to do with my spare time. Family helps a lot, though; my family Christmas was the happiest I have been in a very long time. Max was there, which was great, and I was surrounded by the people in this world that mean the most to me. It was most excellent. Very busy, but I LOVE IT. I have loved it since the first time I can remember, and can't imagine having any other family. (Max has 15-18 in his family. Including extended. That's it, 15 people. How weird is that??? That's like... my immediate family and my aunt Jackie's family. Not including the other 5 brothers and sisters and all of their families.)
I start working with my cousin Tara at the Shell Lake Arts Center this spring, as soon as my student teaching finishes. I'm basically going to be a mini-Tara, helping her with everything that she needs me to do. I have worked there every summer (but one) during college, so I know the place inside and out. It's a part time gig, so I'm going to work three days a week and substitute on Mondays and Fridays for 4 or 5 districts in the area. If I don't get a gig... oooooh, so sad, a four day weekend!! I'm going to hold off on most of the subbing until after March, so that I can spend those long weekends with Max in MN, but if I can't make it there, or if we decide on every other weekend, then I'll teach.
Well, I better go. Laundry calls.
19 November 2008
Buahahahaha
2 things:
1, I made pizza tonight, from scratch. Invented everything like the Bitney that I am. And what happened? IT WAS GOOD!!!!!! YEAH!!!! I might have a different last name, but my bloodlines live on!
2, I was reading my post from August about how I thought I stunk. I now think that I smell pretty good. I think that this may be due to the fact that I have taken over this house with my fabric softeners and smelly soapy things and candles, but yeah. Go me. :) Our sheets always smell like lavender after they've been washed, which I love. I probably still smell weird to my old self, but my new self likes how I smell.
Max is coming home this weekend!!! And he requested leave for not one, but FOUR DAYS!!! If his commander okays everything, he'll be home next Tuesday night until the following Monday! That, my friends, is happy. His commander also had a heart to heart with me at drill last weekend, and said that if there is anything I ever need, if I need more time with Max or whatever, just to let him know and he'll do everything he can to grant Max leave. He said that he knows that we live far apart and really wants to make sure that we get as much time together as possible before the deployment, which was great of him. It felt really good to know that he recognizes our living situation.
My cat knocked over a fifty pound bag of ice melting salt. How, I don't know. But I went downstairs only to discover the bag lying on its side, and kitty prints all over the pile. I just hope they know that it isn't cat litter...
1, I made pizza tonight, from scratch. Invented everything like the Bitney that I am. And what happened? IT WAS GOOD!!!!!! YEAH!!!! I might have a different last name, but my bloodlines live on!
2, I was reading my post from August about how I thought I stunk. I now think that I smell pretty good. I think that this may be due to the fact that I have taken over this house with my fabric softeners and smelly soapy things and candles, but yeah. Go me. :) Our sheets always smell like lavender after they've been washed, which I love. I probably still smell weird to my old self, but my new self likes how I smell.
Max is coming home this weekend!!! And he requested leave for not one, but FOUR DAYS!!! If his commander okays everything, he'll be home next Tuesday night until the following Monday! That, my friends, is happy. His commander also had a heart to heart with me at drill last weekend, and said that if there is anything I ever need, if I need more time with Max or whatever, just to let him know and he'll do everything he can to grant Max leave. He said that he knows that we live far apart and really wants to make sure that we get as much time together as possible before the deployment, which was great of him. It felt really good to know that he recognizes our living situation.
My cat knocked over a fifty pound bag of ice melting salt. How, I don't know. But I went downstairs only to discover the bag lying on its side, and kitty prints all over the pile. I just hope they know that it isn't cat litter...
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