a grammer lesson

We.

It’s a pretty simple word, really. It describes more than one person. Yourself and at least one other person. So why do I sometimes cringe hearing this word?

It’s all about the context. I enjoy this word. I like to use it myself. TC and I like group and double dates. “We would LOVE to go to dinner with you.” “We would LOVE to go to Beerfest!!” “We are going to Atlanta for the weekend!”

The reason I dread hearing this word (especially from military wives…) is pretty simple. It’s loses it’s “Me + Another” concept and dives straight into “My life revolves around my husband,” territory.

Example: We are Fliers.

I’ve actually heard this more than once – from wives who don’t know a life outside of their husband. I do not, and have never had, any desire to learn to fly an airplane. My husband is a pilot, yes… but me? No. Way. If you are referring to your husband and yourself (as in… you also fly airplanes…) then this statement is completely acceptable. This isn’t always the case, however. I usually hear this from those wives who want to “flex nuts” to, well, anyone who will listen.

When TC gets out of the Air Force, I’m thinking about getting a sticker for my car that says “Financial Analyst Wife” (or whatever he decides he wants to be when he grows up.)

I know, I know. I’m getting up on a soapbox over a stupid little word. But I really think it’s indicative of problem that’s been around for quite some time:

Wives feel that need to lose their identity to their husbands.

My response to that?

You are better than that.

You are. Just because your husband does something for a living does not mean your entire world has to revolve around it. Find something you enjoy doing and throw yourself into that. Be your own person.

But for goodness sakes, drop the stinking “WE.”

let’s be honest…

… Reintegrations are amazing! And they are also awful. Simply awful.

I know! I said what is normally unsaid. And I can’t take it back. Once I hit publish, it’s done. It’s out there for all the world to see. And I can’t get it back. (Things on the internet stick around forever, if you’ve been living under a rock for the past ten years or so and didn’t know that fact.)

But honestly? Reintegrations suck. Yeah, sure. It’s great to have your significant other home, but after getting used to being on your own and functioning as a separate unit instead of as a team; having them there, in your face 24/7 is… well… annoying.

I like my space. I like being able to hang out on my time frame and do my things, by myself! It’s also nice to only have one set of laundry to worry about, and one set of dishes, and honestly… if I want to have brown rice and steamed veggies with a giant glass of cabernet for dinner for the ~~fifth~~ ~~sixth~~ seventh night in a row, damnit I don’t want to have to answer to anyone!

Overall, I’m psyched to have TC home, but I know it’s only a small matter of time before he has to leave again and we’ll be back where we started all over again. The constant cycle is part of the deal, but dang it, I don’t have to like it, right?

I know I’m not the only one who feels, but I’m one of the odd ones who actually admit to it.

the best of the best

I’m not one to actively promote things on my site…. especially when I’m not getting paid to do so. But I have to tell you about this stuff.

Solid lotion bars, and other really cool stuff, that are made from natural ingredients you might actually have a shot at pronouncing. Can I get a heck ya for paraben and petroleum free?!

Ok… so my mom is a knitter. She knits some pretty awesome things (such as the kick booty scarf she made me a few years back that has POCKETS. Yeah, I KNOW!). But along with being one of the most creative people I know when it comes to all things yarn, she’s also an avid podcast listener. This love of podcasts led my mother to the Bar-Maids products. She kept hearing about these products. Evidently, when you’re knitting (or crocheting, or anything to do with yarn,) you need to not have dry scaly hands and cuticles. It snags the yarn and makes everything a painful mess. Or so I’m told. So for Christmas last year, my darling Mama ordered some of the Lo-Lo To Go for my stocking… I mean, um, Santa ordered it. Yes. Santa.

Truth time: I was not 100% impressed with it the first time I tried it. It didn’t sink into my skin as fast as normal lotions do and it was a pretty intense scent. She… I mean Santa… got me the Toasted Coconut scent, and while I dig coconut, I’ve never been a fan of it on my body, lingering. But I did get used to the scent after the second time I used it. Turns out, my skin is super dry and I have eczema, so normal lotions sink in quickly and do little to nothing. Which leads me to why this stuff is SO FREAKING AMAZING.

But first, let’s talk about this:

Lo-Lo Cuticle Intensive. OH MY GOODNESS. Tea Tree oil (a natural mosquito repellant, by the way) makes it smell fantastic and this stuff works. I have the worst cuticles I’ve ever seen and this stuff makes them look healthy and not like I have leprosy. If you get NOTHING else from this company (which is simply a silly concept,) you have to get a tube of this.

Now on to the fun part… Lo-Lo bars. I’ve only purchased the Lo-Lo To-Go, for a couple of reasons. 1. I always lose things, or simply lose interest. I am pretty sure I won’t lose interest in the product itself, but I like to change up the scents from time to time (which explains why I’ve purchased six different ones so far…) 2. The Lo-Lo To-Go is the perfect size to fit in my purse, and my drawer in the bathroom, and the window sill above the kitchen sink. It works for me, but they also sell full size bars as well.

Why are these so amazing?

First: This formula is simply divine. Please reference the above mentioned eczema. Not only does this product keep my skin from drying up faster than an earthworm on a Kansas summer’s day (super sorry about that midwestern reference, by the way…) but it also stays through a few hand washings. Why is this important? Because I have my hands in water often while I’m in the kitchen and I can’t stop to put more lotion on my hands. It does take a little bit for the solid lotion to sink in and not be greasy, but it doesn’t take long, promise.

Second: The scents! Oh the scents! Toasted Coconut was my first one. It was good. A little overwhelming for me, but as I said, I’m not a huge coconut fan (on my body at least. I can always go for a pina colata!) I was a good girl in that I waited to order more until I was almost out of the first tin. But when I ordered, I ordered BIG! Sweet Plumeria, Sandy Would (vanilla/sandalwood), and Cabana Boy (yes you read that correctly… vanilla/lime… it’s devine! {see what I did there?}) were my first purchases. And then I went back and placed a second order a few weeks later. Addicting little things. Second order included Peachy Keen, Vanilla Moon, and another Toasted Coconut for a friend. They also carry one of my favorite scents: Nag Champa. I am a hippie at heart. I can’t help it. I like making my own detergents and burning incense. This one is pretty true to the scent and I couldn’t be happier with it.

Third: They last for-ever. I use this product every single day. I just reordered about mid-April. I totally got my money’s worth with this. And they are made with natural ingredients. Win-Win.

So really, what are you waiting for? Go out and buy some of this stuff. You CAN find it in stores, but they put them in little shops around the country, and no one around here sells them. They also sell some other awesome products that are on my list of things to try with my next order: O’ for Feet Sake (repairs feet and has tea tree oil for bug repellant, score) and the Face Pudding with SPF. Can. Not. Wait. Go now. Place an order (it ships incredibly fast, too) and fall in love!

I am in no way being paid for this review. Bar-Maids only knows me as a paying customer, and I’m completely ok with that!

sunday funday

Today has been a delightful day of sewing, napping, laundry, and relaxing. I am a big fan of the relaxing part… and the sewing. I’ve recently started sewing quite a bit. No real reason as to why, exactly, but I’m also not questioning. More on that later though…

I’ve decided on a few things this weekend:

I don’t think I could ever cut my hair short. I really like it long, even if it does take me quite some time to make it looks presentable after it’s been washed.
My dogs are the cutest, cuddliest, sweetest, most annoying, intrusive creatures I’ve ever encountered. I cycle between love and frustration most of the day.
I want to work at a job in which I can throw my entire self. I’m tired of working jobs that don’t fit in to where I want to be professionally.
My aversion to the Fifty Shades series was completely unwarranted. Oh. My. I am fascinated by those books.
I want to write a book… and I may have already started.
I miss Kansas. And storms.
My current weight is exactly 20lbs lighter than it was when I married TC almost three years ago.

So that’s been my weekend. It has been delightful!

And to finish it off, I’m having a crisp glass of chardonnay… Yum.

Now here’s a cute (but old) pictures of the small pup – Happy Sunday!

well hello there…

Oh hi! You’re probably wondering who this mystery person is showing up in readers and various RSS feeds. Let’s get better acquainted, shall we?

My name is Meg.

I live in Florida.

I enjoy:

the beach,

running with my puppy, Baxter,

long walks with my sweet girl, Allie,

spending time with my husband (when he’s in the country),

and wine.

(I really enjoy wine.)

But really, things have been, eventfully uneventful in our world.

So, maybe not so uneventful.

Our squadron lost a crew. In a crash. Four people (two from our squadron, one from our sister squadron, one from another) in a crash. A women sitting in my position, waiting for her husband to call/email/text; was confronted by one of the higher ups and told her husband wouldn’t be coming home alive. It’s been difficult to handle, for everyone. I think prior to the incident, we were all complacent and under the false assumption that this aircraft is indestructable. It’s not. We’re shocked, saddened, and still coping. It hasn’t been easy.

Two more deployments are under our belts. I’m still not a fan of them. Someone once told me that they get easier.

They do not.

I’ve fallen in love with a few things:

Zoya Nail Polishes

Birchbox

Couscous

My husband… all over again (insert vomiting/AWWWs here)

Traveling

Proper grammer

Steamed vegetables

My new Shark vacuum

I know, it’s strange to be so elated by a vacuum, but it’s amazing.

I ended a job due to budget cuts; started a new one, and then ended that one due to professional differences…. I think that’s a good way to put it. But I’m still interviewing for others that align a little more with my professional goals and where I want to place my efforts and skills. (That’s the most politically correct way I could put that.)

If you’ve been following me on Twitter (What? You haven’t been following me on Twitter? How DARE you?!) you know approximately what’s been going on in our Casa. Honestly, that’s kind of a whole lotta nothin. But I have some exciting things coming up for you on here. And some new recipes (including one from TC’s side of the family.)

I know you’re all excited for the new things happening over here! I am too!

Talk soon-

Meg

a eulogy

The world lost a great mentor, educator, friend and leader this weekend. Les was more than just my advisor. He was the reason I entered into my profession and the reason a lot of my friends and former classmates are where they are today.

I find this post ironic for a few different reasons.

1.) I’ve been putting off writing it for over 24 hours, just trying to find words to express the emotions that have been building up inside of me. I almost always have SOMETHING to say, even if it is just a quick antidote regarding a situation. He taught me that. “Always be thorough but concise.” I don’t remember ever having such a hard time just finding words.

2.) The very first tribute/eulogy I wrote was in his class. I never, in a million years, thought I’d be writing one for him. (Sidenote: He’d totally dock points from my grade for using such an exaggeration.)

Les was a legend. And by legend, I mean his name as a reference almost guaranteed you the internship that would lead you to your first “big-kid job.” Everyone in the state knew him. Everyone who knew him, loved him. Everyone who loved him, respected him more than any other professional out there. He was the definition of a mentor. His door was always open and his advice was 100% spot on. I remember walking into the Communications building for the very first time: one of the graduate students told me that if Les didn’t touch, influence and shape my career, I was doing it wrong. She was right. Les saw my strengths and encouraged me to pursue internships that played to those strengths. As I grew as a person and a professional, he was there to give me guidance and talk me through shifts in my life. His passion for journalism and communications fueled my desire to write and to move toward public relations.

The thing is, my story is not extraordinary. If you passed through those halls, you have a story about Les. He was deeply involved in the success of almost everyone who passed through that program. He won many awards; and while he deserved each and every one of them, he was ALWAYS there for students. He would take a look at final papers and project and offer constructive criticism; but he would also tell you what you were doing right. He would be the first one to point out the good things about your first draft (that was most likely complete shit;) and he would be right. He was and always will be one of the most influential contributors of my education and the education of many of my peers/friends/colleagues. Like that grad student told me… if he’s not; YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG.

So tonight, I grieve. It’s a deep, deep sadness that’s taken over my heart. A sadness knowing that I’ll never be able to go back and pop my head into his office to say hello and catch him up on where I am in life. A sadness knowing that so many of my friends are feeling the exact same emotions I am and that I cannot make it go away for them. A sadness knowing that there are so many students, teachers and community members who will never know Les. He is a legend and I cannot imagine the world without him.

Rest in peace, Les. You will be deeply, deeply missed.

“We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”

–Chuck Palahniuk

today…

Today has been a strange day.

I found Satsumas on my front porch. Strange because I’m the broker for the producer that’s in this area… … … … I have no idea where they came from.

I’ve killed my second wolf spider in the past week… I thought those little assholes weren’t supposed to travel in packs. In their defense, one was on the back porch and the other was on the front porch. Still… NOT AWESOME. Florida wildlife… We are NOT friends. Read about Mr. Snake here.

I have five weeks of invoicing and accounting to catch up on for work and I have NO wine in the house. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Oh yes, I might be borderline alcoholic (It’s a joke, all of you people taking this seriously need to chill the F out. I know it’s taboo to joke about it, but guess what… I care not.) Luckily, I found a Yuengling hiding in the back of the fridge to get me through. Bad news? I am pretty sure it’s four months old. The sacrifices I make so I don’t have to put on pants and go to the store.

The problem I thought was fixed in our Quickbooks system for work is, in fact, not fixed… so I’m fixing that tonight: Cue Yuengling.

I got hit on at the gym, by what I’m pretty sure was a 16 year old. Now, I’m not sure if I take this as a compliment for two reasons: 1) I feel that I’ve hit the “cougar” age in my life and I am 100% NOT ok with that. 2) He must have some pretty low standards to be hitting on the sweaty, slightly-still-oversized 27 year old who is wearing her wedding rings; when there was a cute little, not wearing any rings whatsoever, can’t-be-over-23 year old on the treadmill two machines down…. whatever, Dude. Let me watch my Sportscenter and listen to my Glee Soundtrack while sweating my butt off (literally) in peace please.

My grand plan for TC’s Christmas presents is becoming overwhelming and very detailed. Maybe I should rethink this…

Ok – I’ve procrastinated enough. I’m diving back into Quickbooks… if you don’t hear from me on Twitter in a few hours… Send help.

I’m totally not kidding about that.

PS: Cute Puppy goodness! Because that makes any strange day much better. Sorry it’s blurry.. he doesn’t like to sit still and also my iPhone camera isn’t the greatest in the world without perfect lighting.

a badger…no wait, a snake

Ok… So this post isn’t about a real badger. It’s about snakes and how they’re overrunning our neighborhood. BUT I can’t talk about snakes without sharing this little gem from my college years. Fast fact: I’m allergic to mushrooms… so I’ve always found it kind of ironic that I get such a kick out of it. I had a boyfriend who would play this NON STOP. By non stop I mean he would call me at 4 in the morning just to play me this song. Needless to say, we’re not together anymore.

But… snakes. Yes, those creature that make my inner being tremble and make it difficult to control bodily functions. Ok, so not that last one, but I really do have a complete and petrifying fear of snakes. It’s debilitating, actually. Seeing a snake will make me terrified to go outside for hours. I also do the skeevy dance whenever I have to go into the yard for the next few days.

I’m not quite sure what kind of snake it is… but I’m pretty sure it’s a Southern Black Racer Snake. Not poisonous, but still not awesome.

Not my photo

So far, one has slithered up to my front door, one did a sprint across my driveway, and one had a suicide mission across the road (and STILL didn’t die when I ran over it with my car… tough little bastard.) They are not awesome.

It gets cold soon and they’ll go away, right?!? Right? Um… not so much. One of the joys of living in a warm climate is that things don’t die. Snakes, spiders, lizards, bugs, other creepy crawly things that love to hang out in my backyard… they DON’T DIE. These things stick around all year. Invading my yard (and sometimes my house) and terrifying me. I’m really not looking forward to mowing the lawn this week…

But the creature crawling around my yard aren’t such a bad thing. I like the little lizards who eat the bugs. The butterflies are pretty awesome as well. I just really don’t like the snakes.

Someone told me that the snakes aren’t bad to have around: they eat rodents and birds and other things, but here’s my take on that: rodents and birds and other things like that WON’T BITE MY DOGS. If snakes are in my yard these other things are not and the chances of my dogs being bitten by a snake and needing immediate emergency (read: expensive) care are increased exponentially. I prefer to have all of the other things in my yard.

But, alas… that’s not going to happen (unless anyone has any tips on keeping these slithering freaks of nature out of my yard…) and I’m going to have to learn to live with them. Cohabitation with creatures has never been a strong asset of mine. Unless of course they are my dogs…

Catching up

Long story short: I’ve taken a sabbatical from blogging. I was filled with snark and bitchiness. I didn’t need to put that out into the world. I’ve had quite a bit on my plate lately and I honestly just haven’t had the time and energy to devote to maintaining my blog. I’m going to really attempt to keep up with it from now on (I am already 6 days behind with NaBloPoMo… oops) And I’m hoping to keep things really positive.

So – here’s a small catch up on what’s been going on in the land of FL… (if you’ve been following along in twitterland (@MeganInFL) you’re pretty much caught up.

I’m finally down to the weight that’s been listed on my Driver’s License and ID for the past five and 3 years, respectively. This is a big deal as it is only three pounds over my lowest adult weight. I’m working my butt off (literally) and it’s starting to show. I no longer punish myself at the gym for what I’ve eaten. Instead I reward my body with endorphins and a phenomenal workout. I fuel my body with nutritious food that tastes amazing. I’m finally “getting” it.
Work is kicking my butt. Odd hours. Strange emails. Mean people who have this strange and skewed sense of entitlement. I’m totally ready for it to freeze so things stop growing.
Sweet Allie (my depressingly overweight Lab) has lost five pounds! She looks forward to her walk every day and it’s so nice to have that time one on one with her.
Little Boy, AKA Baxter, hasn’t had any accidents lately (KNOCK ON FREAKING WOOD)! He’s still a pain in my booty most of the time, but he’s still pretty amazing and a cuddly little boy. I love him.
I’m almost finished with my Home Management Binder. Not 100% complete as I keep changing things as we continue on with the year… But by the end of the year I feel we’ll have a fully functional, well-oiled binder. I’ll share soon.
Christmas! I always hate making plans for Christmas as we never really know if TC will be in the country or not. This year? I’ve got half a dozen cocktails to choose from (thanks Pinterest…) and some low-cal, low-fat options for holiday meals. They all work whether the military allows TC to be here or not. Win. Win. We’ll visit respective families when time allows. Thankfully… our families understand that things aren’t really in our control (and they also know that if they push really hard, we’ll revolt and they won’t see us, unless of course, they come to Florida.)
I have a new love for Sephora. It’s an addictions, really.

So, yeah, that’s really about it. It’s been a pretty boring time around here. Cooler temps, long gym time, and super cuddly pigs have taken over my life.

I have no problem with that!

Up next: NEW RECIPE! I know you are all beside yourselves with anticipation!

young vs. old

I forget sometimes that life actually happens. As in, time progresses on and we all get older. All of us. Even if some of us refuse to celebrate birthdays anymore, or we’ve been the same age for 30 years (cough… Dad… cough). But last week made me stop and realize we are all getting older, even those of us who are covered in fur.

The pigs and I went to the vet last week. Routine stuff: shots, heartworm test, annual exam… but as the vet was listening to Allie’s heart, she said the words I’ve been putting off for the past few years. “She’s a senior dog now.”

A Senior Dog.

She can’t be senior dog! I just got her… um… seven years ago. That isn’t that long, right? I guess in dog years it is, especially since she’s a big dog and their life expectancy isn’t long to begin with. It still really, REALLY broke my heart to hear those words: Senior. Dog.

As it turns out, being a senior dog means all sorts of crazy blood work to check on organ functionality and to make sure everything is working as it should for her age. Read: lots (and LOTS) of money for a needle prick for the dog.

But I paid it anyway. If you know anything about me, it should be that I have a slight obsession with my dogs. They’ve connected with me on a level I’ve never had with a human. They protect me and love me unconditionally. (Even when I kick them off of the bed in the middle of the night because EVERYONE has decided to “love on Mom!!”) They are a part of my family and that will never, EVER change. So I winced a little when I handed over the debit card, but I didn’t think twice about it. Some people will think it is silly to pay that much or to be so attached to an animal. To them I say,

“I don’t care what you think. And I’m very sorry you don’t allow yourself to love and be loved by such a pure creature.”

Luckily, I have friends who are the same way. Who put forth lots of money to care for a creature who loves them unconditionally. Pets have a unique ability to understand your mood when no one else will listen, or care, or notice. They give all that they have for one simple gesture of love from their human. They attach themselves to you and don’t ever let go. They are amazing creatures.

While Allie is a “senior dog” now, that does not change a thing. We still cuddle on the couch when TC is gone. We still have special walking dates, just the two of us. She still protects me with a fierceness that will never cease to amaze me.

She may be a senior dog… but she’s MY senior dog.