Lazy

Since we moved back to the States I've been pretty lazy. I was doing really well before we left Germany with working on getting back in shape. Aura taught a spinning class at the gym on post and encouraged me to come try it out. She assured me it was fun and a great workout. I had seen a few spinning classes and thought they looked awfully hard but could be fun, so I decided to give it a shot. I was hooked after the first time, even though I went home and complained to hubby that Aura was mean and kicked my butt (love ya Aura)! It was a butt-kicking I needed...lol.

Well, since we got back to the States I haven't been working out. None of my equipment (elliptical, mini stair stepper) is unpacked and set up yet and I haven't decided where I want to go to the gym. Christy called me last night and we got to talking about the gym she goes to. They offer lots of classes so I decided I should check it out. Turns out she is going to a spinning class this morning, so I decided the best time to start going was right now. I need to stop talking about it and just go. Plus I can go as her guest today and see how I like it. It was just the motivation I needed. So I'm going to finish my coffee, brush my teeth and wash my face, and then I'll be off to start my new workout regimen.

Rough Night

Last night we had a monster thunderstorm come through. We had a pretty good storm that scared the kids around 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening, and then it cleared up for a while. After everybody had gone to bed we had another one come through. I actually went to bed a bit earlier than usual (I'm quite the night owl) because I was really tired and wanted to try to get a bit more sleep.

Hubby and I usually sleep really well during storms. There's something relaxing about the rumble of thunder and the sound of rain on the roof. This time was different. The storm woke us up last night. Well, I'm not sure whether it was the storm that woke me or the sound of a house alarm. I don't know what exactly set it off, but after a particularly loud crash of thunder, this very annoying siren started going off. Well, apparently the people who live in the house were out of town or something, because it just kept screaming. I even ran outside in the storm to make sure it wasn't my car alarm. I didn't think it was because it was so loud, but just wanted to be absolutely certain. I didn't want to be responsible for that much noise at 2 a.m. It kept on through the rest of the night.

When we got up this morning (we overslept...imagine that) I still heard it. I was trying to hustle the kids to get them ready for school. Went outside and sat to watch and make sure they got on the school bus and came inside...all the while still hearing this annoying alarm. P. got up and got ready for work, and when he went out to leave, there were about 5 or 6 police cars outside the house across the street from us. Guess now we know for sure who the culprit was...lol. I went outside about 30 minutes after he went to work because the alarm was still sounding, but the police were gone. Hmmmmmmm. Came back inside, showered and dressed, and sat here trying to work. Do you know how distracting something like this is? I had the TV on, so that did cover up the sound some, but it was still constantly there. I told P. later that this should be some kind of torture method because I felt that it was going to drive me absolutely NUTS. It FINALLY stopped between 11:30 and 12:00. I don't remember exactly what time it was, but it was right before P. came by the house to see if I wanted to go to lunch with him. I guess they finally got in touch with whoever lives in that house. When I noticed it was finally quiet, I stepped outside onto the front porch and there was a little car parked in the driveway of the house. When P. and I left to go to lunch it was gone. Oh well...thank goodness it finally stopped. Hopefully tonight will be quieter.

My Little Ballerina

Let me begin this entry by telling a little bit about myself. Those who really know me know that I absolutely LOVE to dance. I'm pretty good at it, too. I'm not saying that to be conceited...it's one of my talents. What very few people know about me, however, is that I actually was a formally trained dancer. I received formal training in Tap and Jazz for nearly ten years from one of the best instructors in the Fayetteville, NC, area. THE best in my opinion. Tap was my very favorite. I also took a tiny bit of ballet...less than a year. I had the opportunity when I was in high school to attend a summer program called Governor's School. It was based mostly on academics, but since I went for one of the arts, I also had to audition. It was one of the best summers of my life.

Princess A. had a little bit of ballet when we were in Germany, and she loved it. It wasn't the best instruction in the world, but it was a decent introduction. Her teacher PCS'd after only one session, though. For the last year we were in Germany, A. was so disappointed that she couldn't take ballet again. Under the new teacher, though (who I heard was very good), classes for A.'s age and experience level were in the middle of the day, and I worked full time. Anybody I knew who I trusted to pick her up from CDC and take her also either worked or couldn't do it because of other obligations. So we had to put it off for that year, but I promised her that when we moved back to the States I would see what I could do.

When I found out we were returning to North Carolina for a couple of years, I told P. that if my former dance teacher was still in the business, I wanted to put A. into dance classes with her. She really wanted to take ballet, and I really wanted to have her try tap since it was my favorite and what I was best at. We got here and I found out that my former teacher is, indeed, still in business. Her husband actually owns the dance school now, and she is the lead instructor and has several that teach for her. Back when I was her student, she taught every single class. She had two classes every evening from Monday through Thursday, and then one on Saturday. So that was nine classes a week that she personally taught. Back then, though, she was renting space at another dance studio. Now that she has her own school, she has four classes every evening the same nights of the week as before, and she obviously can't teach them all.

I knew classes started today. I intended to go last week to get A. registered, but since I was sick all week, I obviously wasn't able to do so. I went with the kids to the dance school today to get A. registered. I didn't plan for her to participate today. She wasn't dressed properly and she doesn't have ballet or tap shoes yet. Well, we got there and my former teacher, Linda, was in the studio when we walked in. Let me just say...it's been almost fifteen years since the last time I saw her, and she hasn't changed a bit. After I filled out the paperwork, she suggested we go ahead and let A. dance today, so I agreed. Linda said just this once it would be ok if she wasn't dressed appropriately. A. was so excited! Ballet actually comes quite naturally to her, and I was so proud. Linda is actually the one teaching her ballet class, and I couldn't be happier about that. The same woman I took dance from all those years ago is teaching my daughter ballet. I was actually on the verge of tears a couple of times during the class as I watched. Sappy, I know, but who cares?? Both of her classes are on Mondays, back-to-back. It will be nice to only have to go once a week.

Tap was more challenging for her...she has to work harder at that, but it'll be good for her. What an accomplishment that will be for her when she gets it! And watching her, I know she'll get it, and she'll be so proud of herself. Besides, with that being my strong suit, I can help her out at home. All the steps came flooding back as I was watching the teacher go through the exercises with her. I could see that she was getting frustrated when she didn't get it right away, but she was really watching, and kept trying. She never gave up. That made me so proud. I really like her tap teacher too. She's very encouraging and wouldn't let A. give up. I just watched and never intervened or interfered. A. needs to learn to trust her teachers.

I felt really great at the end of the evening. I even kept the tradition from my days of dancing and took the kids to McDonald's afterwards. Not a great choice for a dancer, but hey...they're kids!! J. was with us and was so good the whole two hours. He didn't complain the whole time, and I know he was bored. What a trouper!! I know it was hard for him...sitting still is such a challenge. So McD's was a big reward for him, too. Little by little I'm beginning to feel a part of my new community. Maybe my life will get back to normal (whatever that is) soon after all!

Feeling Like Home

Well, I was definitely feeling better this weekend. We spent all day Saturday getting the house organized. We got quite a bit done. I worked downstairs and P. worked upstairs.

He spent a big part of the day organizing the kids' rooms. They have so much stuff, and quite a few of their toys were still in boxes in their rooms. It was nearly impossible to walk in there, and was really a bit too overwhelming for them to clean. P. got two huge storage containers at Walmart on Friday for them to put their larger toys in. Then he worked some more in our bedroom, hanging things on the walls and organizing some more. I still have clothes I need to get put away. Trying to figure out where to put them all is a challenge. We got new bedroom furniture after we moved here. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to utilize it.

I spent the better part of the day getting the den/family room in order. There was still quite a bit of stuff we had taken out of boxes that had not been put away and was still on the tables in the den. I had clothes I had to sort through and decide what to keep and what to give to charity. It felt so good to get this room done. This is where we spend the majority of our time at home, and I wanted it to be a place to relax. As of Saturday evening, it finally is. That felt like a real accomplishment to me. Now I just need to finish the kitchen, dining room, and living room and the downstairs will be finished. After we get our bedroom and bathroom finished, the next task upstairs will be the bonus room. That's going to be a challenge, but we'll get it done.

I had planned to get more done Sunday, but my plans didn't quite work out like I'd hoped. There was quite a bit of work that needed to be done in the yard, so P. spent the better part of the afternoon doing that. I had a school assignment I had to focus on since I was sick all week and spent Saturday working on the house. It took longer to get that done than I thought due to interruptions, so didn't get to get anymore housework done. Oh well.

I think I'll be happier once we get the house done. We still have a lot of stuff in the garage to go through, but it seems a bit less overwhelming now with the work we got done this weekend. I think once my house feels more like a home everything else will start to fall into place.

TGIF

I am so glad this week is over. This has definitely been an awful one. The medication I got yesterday seems to be working. My throat hurts much less than it did this time yesterday, and I'm just generally feeling a bit better. I'm still sleeping quite a bit though. I was also finally able to eat today. I've had a hard time eating all week. So hopefully my energy levels will start to get better too. Guess whatever I had wasn't viral after all. Hopefully next week will be better.

Went to the Doctor

OK I went to the doctor today. I don't have strep throat, which is good news. My bloodwork was normal too. He said that even though the rapid strep test came back negative that he didn't like the way my throat looked so was going to go ahead and put me on an antibiotic anyway. Fine with me. So he gave me a sample of Zmax that he had there. The cool thing is that it's a full course of antibiotics in one dose. So I came home, mixed it up, and drank it and I'm done. Now we'll just have to see if it works. I sure hope so because I'm tired of being sick. I really have too much to do.

Still Sick

Since someone who reads my blog was kind enough to ask how things are going, I thought I'd post an update. I talked to my mom Monday, and my uncle was being sent to Greenville for a heart cath. She said she'd let me know if she heard anything else. I haven't heard any more news since then, so I guess there's been no change.

I'm still sick and it sucks! A. has at least gotten better. She was well enough to go back to school Tuesday, thank goodness. The hubby got home Tuesday afternoon, so at least he's here now to help. He told his commander what was going on, and his commander authorized him to take leave. He was in Georgia for training he had already been through, so didn't really absolutely have to be there anyway. I really didn't want him to have to come home, but am very thankful he was able to. I guess I'm going to break down and go to the doctor today since I'm really not feeling any better. My throat hurts pretty bad and is pretty red and feels swollen, from what I can see anyway. I probably need antibiotics since I'm not feeling any better. I was thinking it was something viral, but maybe not. Guess I'll find out in a little while.

It Never Fails

Why is it that things always happen when my husband's gone. Never mind...I know the answer to that question. Murphy's Law for the Military Spouse - If something can go wrong, it will...when the soldier is deployed/TDY/whatever...GONE! I'm just tired of it. This month has been tough enough already without adding to it.

P. left yesterday on a week-long TDY for training. Went to Fort Benning. He had been gone for a few hours when I got a phone call from my mom. My uncle (her brother) had been taken to the hospital with chest pains. He got there and they also diagnosed him with cirrhosis and had him on morphine. My mom was on the way to the hospital to see him and to find out what exactly was going on. When I called her later in the evening, I found out that the news isn't great. His doctors say he may have 6 months left.

To top it off, A. is home sick from school today. She's been complaining on and off all weekend about a headache and stomachache, and she's had a bit of a fever. I had a headache that started last night and must have had a fever late last night because I woke up with chills. Aren't we just quite a pair? So I just felt like complaining a bit this morning.

Closets!

OK, it's the little things that make me happy. I guess I didn't really realize how much I missed having closets until we got back here and have them again. We lived on the economy in Germany, and German houses have no closets. Yes, the government had wall locker type things that they provided, but they were tiny. We had one in each bedroom upstairs, and one downstairs. They were nowhere near big enough to hang all of our clothes in. OK, the ones in the kids' room were big enough for their clothes, but they're little. P. and I put as many clothes in ours that we could, but they were so packed in there that it was nearly impossible to find anything. And trying to get my shoes in there? Forget it!

In the house we're renting here, we have a huge walk-in closet in our bedroom. A. has a smaller walk-in closet (we figured she needed the room with the bigger closet since she's a girl), and J. has a closet that's plenty big enough for him. It's bigger than the wall locker things. Today I've been trying to organize our clothes. I can actually get all of our clothes in the closet, and can even organize them. I have all of P.'s uniforms together, the ones he uses every day in front of those he doesn't wear very often, then I have his shirts organized, etc. This is very important for an OCD person like me. :-) So today I'm feeling a little bit better about being back in the States.

Mandatory Fun

Tomorrow P.'s battalion is having Organizational Day. Oh boy...mandatory fun! It's a teacher workday for the kids, so at least I don't have to worry about pulling them out of school or arranging for somebody else to pick them up. That worked out pretty well. Thing is...Battalion is in Raleigh, which is an hour and a half away from here. So I told the kids today that we're going to Raleigh tomorrow, and they start complaining...but it's such a long ride! LOL...maybe we need to move back to Texas!

Oh well. Each unit does Organizational Day differently, so we'll just have to see how it goes. Hopefully there will be something fun for everybody. One good thing...they're having it catered, so I don't have to worry about making something to take.

My Little Comedian

I have a funny kid story to share. My few family members who read my blog will appreciate this because J. is actually quite a bit like my little sister. She could always get out of trouble by making my dad laugh.

Friday night I was sitting here trying to work on a school assignment. We had eaten dinner and the kids were ready for a snack. They both came running down the stairs. For small people they both walk really heavily. I told them they sounded like a herd of elephants coming down the stairs. J. did his elephant impression, which for an (almost) 8 year-old is quite convincing. I started to say "That's not funny" but before I could finish the sentence, I started laughing. They continued on into the kitchen for their snack and something to drink, and J. proceeds to say, "Well, Mom, if it wasn't funny why are you laughing?" What could I say? I was laughing uncontrollaby at that point. I'm usually really good about staying serious with the kids when necessary, but it wasn't really necessary this time. After the kids went upstairs and P. came in from the garage, I was still laughing and could barely tell him about it. When I did, he said, "That's your sister up and down."

Yep...J.'s probably going to be a prankster like her. That's ok though. It will be nice to have him to make us laugh when things get too serious.

Putting Things Into Perspective

Thank you Heidi for putting things into perspective for me, although I'm sure that wasn't your plan when you wrote your blog entry today.

You remind me to be thankful daily for the fact that my husband is home with me. You remind me to be thankful for the little things that aggravate me every day. In the grand scheme of things, the daily irritants are so insignificant. I'm even thankful for P.'s little habits that make me absolutely crazy. Life is absolutely too short for all that. I love him and that's what's important.

Making Progress

Well, we might actually get everything unpacked and organized before it's time to move again after all. I was starting to wonder...lol. We still have a lot of work to do, but we got quite a bit done this weekend. We got several pictures hung and other things put where they should be. We've had stuff stacked in the family room for weeks now, and I moved most of it out and got the furniture moved back where it belongs. We had moved it to make room for delivery of our household goods. Little by little my world is returning to normal...whatever that is.

The kids went to spend the weekend with P.'s parents. Yesterday P.'s dad's church was having the kickoff for their Vacation Bible School, and it was apparently an all-day thing for the kids to play. There was a jumping castle or slide, or something. J. managed to get hurt on it. Got a pretty bad friction burn on his arm. P.'s parents felt so bad. When they came to pick the kids up yesterday, P.'s dad asked if I'd ever considered that maybe we had too much stuff. LOL! No way! It's amazing, though, how much stuff we did accumulate while we were in Germany. We were never anywhere close to our maximum weight allowance until this move. I'm still praying that we didn't go over.

I really want to try to update this page more often. Maybe once things settle down some more I'll be able to. I'm still trying to manage my time with my new job. I'm working from home and it is challenging, but very rewarding. It's nice to be able to do the things here at the house that I need to do a bit more easily. I've also been back in school for about two and a half months, and have had a harder time than I thought I would getting back into that schedule. I'm finishing my degree online, and it is kind of hard having to be on the computer almost all the time. The kids are in year-round school here, so that helps a bit. At least I have from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to work with few distractions. Then they do their homework and play quietly while I finish working. They've finally adjusted to the fact that even though Mommy is home, she still has a job to do. They're great kids. Like I said, we're making progress.

They Just Don't...

...make houses anymore the way they used to.

We rented a house in a fairly new (new since I left home anyway) subdivision. Let me just say that P. and I are very thankful that we are renting this house and don't own it. It seems like every day he finds something that irritates him about the "shoddy craftsmanship" of this house.

Our household goods arrived almost a month ago now I guess. I'm constantly amazed at the amount of "crap" we managed to accumulate in the four years we were in Vilseck. Even more than that, though, I'm still amazed that in almost twelve years of marriage, the longest time we spent in one place was in a foreign country.

But I digress...

P. and I have been very frustrated since our household goods got here because we haven't been able to find the keys to open our grandfather clock or the curio we bought in Germany. We have little keepsakes we keep in the grandfather clock, and the curio is big enough to hold all my China, plus quite a bit of other stuff. Stuff that has been stacked up on the table and in the floor in the dining room for weeks now. This evening, he managed to "pop" the lock on the curio. He was able to separate the door and frame enough to get the doors open without damaging it. Hallelujah!! We were finally able to get so much stuff put away tonight.

While we were in Germany, I started collecting plates. Everywhere we went, I usually picked up a souvenir plate, and sometimes a shot glass, and P. picked up a print. A couple of years ago, he built a plate rack for me to display my souvenir plates. After we got the China, glasses, and Polish Pottery that was stacked in the dining room put away, we decided our next mission was to put my plates away. As P. was trying to hang the plate rack, he got frustrated all over again. There was one particular wall I had in mind that was the perfect place for it, but we definitely had to make sure it was anchored properly to hold the weight of plates and shot glasses. So P.'s looking for studs in the wall. I don't know how many holes he put in the wall. I think he cursed each time he put a nail in the wall where he thought there was a stud, and there wasn't one after all. He worked in construction for a while before we came back into the Army, so he remembers how houses were built then. The more frustrated he got, the more I reminded him that it's not our house. He's very thankful for that.