I am blessed.

Today I spent the day with an old friend, Stephanie. We grew up together, and experienced so many firsts together. Then we grew apart, both graduated from college, and both married a military man.

Then Stef got cancer. I mean, she found out about it anyway. She beat it though, hopefully. Spending the day with her, sharing stories and reminiscing, I know that I am blessed. She is thoughtful, genuine, classy, and nice. The world needs more people like her. I'm just glad that we re-connected, and I hope that we can maintain this friendship no matter where life may lead us.

Brian didn't call today. I knew that he would be 'busy', but I'm secretly hoping that the army put him on plane early. I miss him a lot, and they kind of owe me. Just saying.

Did you know that focusing on schoolwork is nearly impossible with husband-fun looming just days away? I didn't even attempt to pull out the books today, because I knew. Tomorrow will have to be a different story, I hope. Maybe.

I should put pictures on here, eh? I wonder if I'm savvy enough to figure that bit out...

Yay, that was easier than I anticipated! This is my niece, Sweet Alyssa. Don't you just want to squash her in a hug and dance with her all at the same time?? She is simply amazing!

Super Monday!

First, I received my 'grade' for my first paper back in school. I received a 'meets expectations'. My advisor thought this was really good, especially considering I haven't been in college for 3 years. I'm happy with it, but I was secretly hoping for an 'exceeds expectations'. Maybe next time...

Also, in the mail today I got a book I'm wicked excited to read! It's called: I Love a Man in Uniform: A Memoir of Love, War, and Other Battles by Lily Burana. It seems kind of not the norm in military spouse literature. (I like to read this kind of stuff lately because I'm so disconnected from anything military at all, but lots of it seems too sappy for my tastes.)

So today, after I picked up sweet Maddy (the 4 year old of the family I nanny for) and strapped her into the car, I asked her how her day at daycare had gone. With a big sigh she tells me, "I don't want to tell, I just want to go home." I didn't hear a peep from her until we were in the driveway and she was debating puddle jumping in her giraffe boots. We spent the evening watching Agent Oso and turning her stuffed animals from a zoo to a school, and back again. So much fun!

And rounding out my fabulous Monday: I got to talk to my Brian for almost a half an hour!! The phone cut off quite a bit towards the end, but he'd had a rough day and cheering him up made me feel better. This R&R really can't come soon enough. During the past week his unit had it's first casualties, 3, and 2 wounded. He didn't know any of them, but his friends did, and the morale of the unit is just low. He's been working like crazy and is so stressed out, I just wish I could do more to help. Thank goodness we're down to days until he leaves that place! DAYS! I have to say, I want it so much that it doesn't feel real. Hopefully it will soon, 'cause I've got lots to do before he gets here!! Yayyyy!!

The First One

I'm Mary, I'm quite excited to start blogging. I've done it before, but never really stuck to it, ya know? I don't promise to do it every day, just, more often than not.

It's another Saturday night. Brian is far far away, but I'm lucky enough to have the company of my sister and brother-in-law (roommates for the next few months). Also, a nice reisling we picked up in between chores earlier. This is also the second to last weekend before Brian comes home for some rest and relaxation. I'm quite excited that the time is coming closer, especially since communication has been sparse lately. He works so so hard and doesn't get nearly enough recognition, though I might be biased! I'm so excited!!!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, but looks to be pretty tame. We're going to visit the Mum in the morning with coffee and treats, but she has plans with her significant other, so our visit won't be too long. Maybe some extra school work? Only time will tell, but the allure of my netflix and a lazy Sunday afternoon may be too much to resist!

Happy Mothers' Day!