I love the Sunbeam

Gus and I both followed the sunbeam in the living room all morning and it was lovely! I'm reading Water for Elephants for book club. It's so nice to read something written well and store away insights for a future discussion! Sometimes I'll read something and really wish I were still in school so I could write a fantastic essay pointing out the ironies, motifs, themes and how the writer uses such-and-such as a metaphor for human spirit.

In my other reading, I'm reading about manners - thanks for the initial inspiration, Mari! The subject was also spurred on by my study of Esther. It's been great to delve deep into the story and find what qualities Esther must have possessed that contributed to her favor. It certainly convicts me of my ever-present pride and realize I have a long way to go in terms of putting others first - one of the basics of manners - caring enough to make others feel at ease.

So, I did it again - I was at the commissary, inadvisably hungry! This time, I brought home spicy sweet chili Doritos, french pastries, and Pringles. I stopped myself before the mascapone cheese (with intention of making Italian dessert with strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and marscapone cheese). Yea, it sounds amazing! But I remembered that I didn't have any strawberries and had already driven past the farmer's market that had already packed up. I got this idea from my new favorite cookbook: The Essential Mediterranean Cookbook. It not only has Greece, but Turkey, Italy, France, and North Africa!!! With pictures!!! I found it for $5.99 at my local Borders. What a find! Had the vanilla ice cream, topped with 1 tsp espresso grounds and 1 Tbsp whiskey the other night - YUM! Try it, it's good.

Another reason I love Florida: produce everywhere at the stands on the sides of the road! Citrus galore! Oranges, tangerines, tangelos, grapefruits (red and white), pomellos, lemons (made fresh squeezed lemonade!), and more! Strawberries, the best tomatoes Rob and I have ever eaten, onions, squash, green beans (amazing flavor! prefer them fresh). I mean wow! It's awesome. Not to mention the temperature outside is in the 50s/60s and SUNNY! I love it.

Crazy Woman

So I'm doing a Beth Moore Bible study. I knew the Lord was telling me I needed to get involved in our local church and I'd been wanting the regular Bible-reading that comes with a Bible study that meets weekly. Well, for those of you who didn't go there, Grace Bible Church in College Station raises you to be a Bible study snob. This has both good points and bad points. The good points are that one is taught to study the BIBLE and what it actually says and glean TRUTH. The bad part is that we condemn studies in which a HUMAN has written the study! *gasp!* "You mean I am to learn God's Word from what a mere human has gleaned!? As if!" Therefore, unfortunately, I was going into this Bible study a little like Jonah after he finally resolved to go to Ninevah, "Okay. Fine. I'll go. But it's not going to do any good." Confessing my pride, I prayed God would help me.


So... the Beth Moore study isn't that bad. Really, it's not. It has a lot of inductive-style qualities. She has us write everything certain verses tell us (good on that) and then conclude answers from our brainstorm without actually telling us "the answer here is Jesus." It's nice. Plus, her videos and writing tone remind me of Tristie Fisher - she's VERY conversational and even though she's speaking to hundreds or thousands of people in her video, she still manages to sound like the two of us are just sitting down to coffee.


So if you're away from College Station, I know it will be hard, but try not to condemn studies before trying them - and don't be proud! It doesn't help anyone.


All that to get to where I was really going when I started this. We're studying the book of Esther. I know! Awesome! Anyway, one of the things Beth has us think about is the phrase, "It's tough being a woman when..." Hmm. Ignoring the fact that many of us (me) really LIKE being a woman (we're way prettier), I guess it is hard sometimes. And this morning, I know my answer. Now, before I say mine, I want you to think a little bit about yours. Okay?


Well, for me, it's hard being a woman when my emotions get the better of me. For example, there's plenty of times I have to explain something to Rob with the clause, "I know it's stupid and completely illogical, but I'm a girl and that's what I think." He's a very gracious and understanding husband. The other times my emotions get the best of me is today. I'm completely flooded. I'm happy and excited to be going to Okinawa - our first choice of assignments. I'm stressed and anxious, worried I'm already behind on preparing to move. I'm determined and focused, trying to gather, sift, understand, and store all the TONS of information on the island of Okinawa, how to do a military move, how to move overseas, how to move to Okinawa, how to move my pet to Japan, where to live, when to sign up to live there, where to travel, when, how, etc., etc, etc. I'm fearful of the unknown. I'm bold in the face of the unknown adventure. I'm anxious. I'm happy. I'm a crazy woman.


Thankfully, this post was written yesterday and between then and now, Rob came home and made me sane again. I love Rob. Now, I'm leisurely looking at potential travel destinations around Japan in my spare time. Nice.

Back to the Beach

Taken Saturday! I love Florida!

Okay, the big news first! Rob's solo night was Friday and we've officially received Kadena as our next assignment!!!!! Rob and I are so excited! We look forward to more beautiful beaches, warm weather, and lots of sushi! Based on the classes in front of ours, it looks like we'll be leaving pretty soon after Rob's graduation - so Okinawa in May probably!

Our Road Trip

We really enjoyed our Christmas break and visiting family and friends in Texas. We drove through New Orleans on our 13-hour trip and took some pictures. On the way back, we stopped at Bass Pro Shop in Baton Rouge (shoutout to our Tiger buddy Lance!) and took GUS! He did so well too! Now, back in Florida, a cold front has just hit (it's been 65 and sunny most days :-) so I'm in the house with 45 degrees outside.

Here's some pictures from our road trip.

Driving on the longest bridge IN THE WORLD! How cool is that? It's the one over Lake Pontchartrain.

Gus, trying to get comfortable in the truck. I love it!

People keep asking about the boat. Well, it's turned out to be not such a great idea. :-) If we had a month here before Rob started and didn't leave until June-ish as originally planned, I think it would have paid for itself. But Rob started early and was obviously busy and we didn't decide to have a professional rig the boat (it wasn't sail-able when we bought it, thus the good price) until about 2 weekends before it got cold. It's actually gotten pretty warm outside lately, but the water is still very very chilly. When sailing on a catamaran, one does get wet. It's designed for that. Neither Rob nor I find being cold and wet in the wind fun. Sadly. Thus, the poor S.S. Awesome has remained in boat storage. We are determined to sail it before we have to sell it (how sad is that?) and may decide to gear up in the cold water, but if I were you, I would be sure of the number of weeks one has available for sailing before one decides to buy rather than rent a boat. Just some advice.

Rob has started defensive BFM (basic fighter maneuvers) and is doing really well! He really loves starting with the instructor chasing him and succeeding in getting away or not getting shot down. He finds a lot of satisfaction in not dying. :-)

I don't think the concrete guy is going to call me back. Sad! I called him again after the holidays, but my not hearing from him before made me worry and I'm pretty sure he's decided that he doesn't need or want me to volunteer. I'm a little bummed, but his place is on the other side of town, so I guess I'll save some time and gas. Also, we received two concrete books for Christmas from our families and they have great instruction! We're planning on making a coffee table soon.

Yesterday, Rob and I (but mainly Gus!) were invited to a dog birthday party! Libby (the weinerdog of one of the other students) turned one year old and the Clarks threw her a happenin' party! Most pictures on facebook. But here's one because I couldn't resist.

I'm going to leave you with some of my favorite pictures taken recently. Enjoy.

Christmas at the beach

Rob's truck in the "sure you can shoot there... just stay away from the road" area

Rob and yet another little animal he accidentally caught

Another Great day in Florida

Today, I was about to take Gus for his walk around the neighborhood and the weather was just TOO gorgeous (70s and sunny) so we decided to go to the beach. I brought my mythology book (thus furthering my resolve to refresh my memory) and we found a beautiful spot at St. Joe beach (where dogs are allowed, just past the time-zone change in the next county). Seriously, it was the best day ever. Once we got there, I didn't want to leave. The temperature was PERFECT and there was a just-so-soft breeze coming in off the water to cool off from the warming sun. We had the whole beach as far as we could see to ourselves and Gus behaved himself very well the whole time too! So that's how I spent this DECEMBER 17th! I love Florida!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I do LOVE living in Florida! Today, I drove with the windows rolled down; my attire these past few days has been flip-flops and short-sleeves; and we actually have had the air conditioner turned on. I know! It's awesome!

The downfall has been that it doesn't really feel like we should be having Christmas NEXT WEEK. I have been looking for a Florida Christmas ornament - something tacky, but not tacky, like a palm tree with Christmas lights. Rob and I found a glass pelican that we bought to remind us of our time here. Gus loves to chase the pelicans at the beach - he thinks he can catch them!

There's not a lot of note to relate. Saturday, we went out with the other B-coursers (those are the other F-15 students). Sunday we had dinner with some great friends who are moving to Virginia soon - I'll miss you Emily!!! Those of you who get her at Langley are so lucky! Yesterday I made cupcakes and brought them to the squadron today - yum! Tomorrow I plan on wrapping presents. It's a nice life.

OH!! The concrete guy called me back and he is interested in working something out - I can volunteer there in exchange for learning how to make concrete countertops! I'm so excited!! I'm thinking this is a brilliant way to "get a job" - I get to learn about making concrete AND exercise my skills! And maybe one day, if I'm in one place long enough, I could actually get hired after they see how awesome I am. :-)

Tagged! Here is my response to Mari's tag post - thanks, Mari!

The Rules: Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Fact 1
I am a mythology nerd. In high school I was in the Latin Club (president my senior year) and we went to Latin competitions where I competed in mythology and Latin mottoes. I recently resolved to refresh my skills when I did not remember that Boreas was the name of the North Wind (thus the Auroras Borealis - Northern Lights).

Fact 2
I talk to Gus during the day. Yea, I talk to my dog. "So what do you want to do today, Gus? Go for a walk? Yep"... "No, this is my coffee. Trust me, you're not interested"... "Can you believe that woman actually wore that sweater on What Not to Wear? I know! That's so ugly."

Fact 3
My favorite book of the Bible is Genesis. I love that my powerful God created the world and knows and cares for every tiny being. Plus, that he had a plan for our salvation all the way from the Beginning!

Fact 4
I have a masters degree in marketing. It's cool.

Fact 5
My favorite movie of all time is Babe. "The pig movie?", you say. Yes. Not only is it simply delightful, it has wonderful themes about prejudice, change, and standing up in the face of opposition. It's so good!

Fact 6
I miss my cat, Chai. He is a Siamese short-hair - the best kind of cat you could ever have! Funny, entertaining, and awesome. I gave him up when I got married. I miss him. Louie, if you're reading this, thanks for giving Chai a great new home!

Fact 7
I love projects. Some of the latest: concrete table top, flowerbeds, tree trunk side tables, yoga mat bag crocheted from plastic grocery bags, and more! It keeps my problem-solving skills sharpened.

Tagging
Since I only know a few people who do blogs (and none of them are required to respond to this post if they're not interested)...
LeeAnn
Renee
Ashley
Francie
Taryn
Ellen
Natalie

Squadron Christmas Party

Some of the other student spouses

The past weekend on Saturday was the 95th Boneheads Squadron Christmas Party! It was held at the Bay Point Marriott - one of the very nice hotels in Panama City Beach. I have to tell you my husband's work parties are way more fun than any other work party ever! Cocktail hour began at 5:30. There was dinner, a goodbye to a member moving on to Nellis, prizes, karaoke, and fun with the 95th - a group of great people! Rob and I didn't leave the hospitality suite until around 12:30! Favorite parts of the night: taking crazy fun pictures with the other student spouses, Rob and the other students wearing tacky sweaters, a very tasty dinner with great company!

Left to Right: Christina, Erin, Sarah, Me, Taryn, Katy

As part of a Christmas present to each other, Rob and I got a room at the Marriott for a little mini-vacation. It was so nice! We had a leisure breakfast the next morning and just enjoyed being "away". We love living in Florida! Vacation is only 30 minutes away! :-)

That afternoon, the lovely Taryn gave us a photo shoot at the beach per my request (our last nice photos of us are really from our wedding). Rob said he'd never had so much fun taking pictures! Way to go, Taryn!

Monday was the 95th spouse coffee. I love the spouse coffees! Actually, I love being a fighter pilot wife! I love it all! I came home from the coffee and thanked Rob for having this job because that means I get to have my job! And I love it!

Concrete table so far!

F-15 Solo and Thanksgiving Weekend

Here's a little update:

Rob's F-15 class is the baby class and now the duties of cleaning the squadron bar has been passed to them. So, Saturday before Thanksgiving, we got up early-ish, took pictures in the F-15 (not every week, this was just special), and went to clean the bar along with a few others in Rob's class. The night before had been a naming party (where pilots get call-signs) and it was especially dirty. Now, as a wife, I don't actually have to clean the bar, but I wanted to help out my husband, you know. But when I got there, it turned out to be kind of fun simply because the bar was SO dirty and cleaning it made SUCH a BIG difference! I do love to make things beautiful and cleaning certainly falls under that. There was actually a few things that I couldn't NOT clean because they were so amazingly awful. Ah, the joys of being a pilot wife... :-)

Tuesday, Rob had his first solo in the F-15!!! It was so exciting! I got to go out and take pictures too! Of course, I brought cookies, because Sheppard taught me that it's always a good policy not to go to the squadron empty-handed. :-) I was so pleased - Rob told me that people were talking about the cookies the rest of the day - "Dude, did you get any of the cookies in the bar?... Your wife made those cookies? Man, they were good!... You got two? There was only one left when I got there!" By the way, I used Erin Duran's awesome cookie recipe! Thanks to you, Erin!

Rob did well on his solo. I am so proud of my husband!! It was really neat to be able to see his solo! I got to ride the bus out to the jet, watch him do his walk-around, start the jet, and taxi out. Then, Jeff drove me out to the end of the runway and we watched him take off! Later, we drove to the landing end of the runway and watched him do patterns and land. SO cool! The Eagle is an awesome jet!! Pictures are below.

Thursday was Thanksgiving, in case some of you missed it. We were privileged to go to one of the other students' houses for a pot luck Thanksgiving. YUM! Jordan fried a turkey and WOW! It was AMAZING!! ... yum... *sigh* Okay, I'm back. I made some of my favorite Thanksgiving food that I look forward to every year: sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin cheesecake, and apple tart. All the food there was great and the people were even greater. :-)

Then, I got to enjoy a long weekend with my favorite person in the whole wide world: Rob! He's so awesome. Friday, we went on a simple trip to Lowe's to pick up stuff to make a concrete table top (for a leg I FOUND on the curb) and ended up taking a spontaneous trip to Destin! Gas prices be praised! It's actually not that far - a little over an hour from Panama City. We shopped at the mall and outlet mall and came home with some fun new things. For dinner Rob requested we eat at McGuire's Irish Pub in Destin. It is a really neat place, and has it's own brewery. Highlights were warm honey butter melting over the loaf of bread, a crazy burger menu, and a brewed-in-house root beer float - root beer never tasted so good!

Saturday, Rob took me to drink coffee on the beach. Yea, we live in Florida and the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to the beach! Woo hoo! We took a couple little adventure side-trips and ended up on the logging trails next to the base in the rain. It was beautiful scenery! The cold comes slower here, so the trees have time to change their leaves - through my rain-distorted window the yellows, golds, and crimsons were even more breathtaking! We endured a few slippery moments on the back trails in the rain and had to off-road around a closed gate to get out, but had a lot of fun.

Gus follows this sunbeam all through the living room each morning.

We mixed and poured our concrete and it's setting right now, so we'll flip it soon and hopefully, it will easily come out of the mold. We'll keep you updated on our latest decor project.

My engineer husband put t-bolts in the concrete to set so we can easily attach it to the table via L-brackets. I love his problem-solving skills!

Also, I just want to give applause to the greatest job in the world - the one I have - housewife! It is SO fun! I love planning meals, managing the money, cleaning, and doing laundry! Most of all, I love being available for my husband! I love welcoming him home and hearing about his day! I also love hobbies and learning new things! For example, today I'm walking the dog, going to yoga (I love yoga), going to World Market, Wal-Mart, and the base Thrift Shop, and baking cookies for the Airmen Cookie Drive. I'm studying to get my ACE certification to one day teach yoga. I'm going on Thursday to some concrete design shops to see if they'll let me apprentice - learn a little something in exchange for cleaning up. And I'm looking online for awesome and cheap holiday decorations I can make this season. I love my job!!

Rob's solo

On the bus out to the jet

Rob preparing

Me happy in front of the F-15C

Rob doing his walk-around

I like the speed brake

Rob's jet. Tail number: 542

On approach

Sucessful solo!