Staying put.

It gave me a cold chill as I read it. In some ways I was reading it for the first time-even though the story of David and Bathsheba is one I'd heard ( quite literally) a thousand times...

Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the sons of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.


Oh SNAP! I thought....there it was the key to the whole thing ( lust, affair, murder...) right there in the first verse...a verse I'd probably grazed over to get to the "good stuff" many times.

"But David stayed at Jerusalem."

And it turns out, that verse is repeated verbatim again in 1 Chron. 20-which I just read tonight and it reminded me once again what it means to "stay in Jerusalem" when we know we shouldn't....

~~
I know lots of people think that Brett and I are crazy...he's crazy for being in the army, I'm crazy for being an army wife...but we've discussed many times how grateful we are that we have this "Force" in our lives that literally keeps us on our toes! For the most part I don't have to worry about being complacent! The army doesn't let it happen! And now, now that Brett is deployed I'm learning even MORE how danger it is to be complacent...I can't afford to not read the Word...I can't afford not to take time to pray and try and listen to God....because, honestly, if I don't I'd probably fall apart. Its a life application being lived out continually! And, to be honest, when Brett was around more it was MUCH easier to slip...to "get too busy" to do other things....and it took longer for the repercussions and the consequences to reveal themselves ( but, believe me they did!!). So, I'm actually grateful, in a way, for this time in which I'm *up to here* already and therefore I can see my great need a lot quicker!

Anyway, back to the staying in Jerusalem business....so yes, the army does in a way go ahead and do the hard part for us, we don't have to look for ways to get stretched and taken out of our comfort zones or step out in faith-its pretty much handed to us on a silver platter!
BUT, I think I forgot about the day to day decisions of whether or not I'll "stay in Jerusalem" or not...
Here was David all lordly and successful. In fact, things were going sooo well that he was 'satisfied' and in his 'satisfaction' he decided to laze around in Jerusalem while his general was out fighting his battles....and what befalls him?!
Temptation.

And what comes after that?!

All kinds of trouble!

How often do I, for whatever reason, get lazy and decide to stay put...to hang back....to let someone run off ahead ( and fight the good fight)....how often do I think, "Geez! I'm always at church! I'm always doing "Godly" things! It's time for a Break!"

Yes, more than I'd like to admit. So, turns out that while the Army helps us out with the Big Picture part of our lives, I'm in charge of the Details and the Day to Day.... and I've got a choice whether I'm going to stay put or not...

As for tonight, I've decided to go out and fight....

A Whirl of Gaiety

Last night I had desert with the Kinnaird and Fam at my sister's house. Today I went Holiday Shopping ( at Holiday in the Pines-a Nacogdoches "event") with my sweet mother-in-law Mary, followed by a lovely Abt Family dinner where I received my Birthday present from Brett ( which was a subscription to Vanity Fair-which I'm excited about) that my sister had helped him put together....and all in all everything was terribly above and beyond lovely.

So, why exactly do I feel teary?

I think its the whirl of gaiety. It lulls me into complacency. And complacency is that place where sudden moments of intense "homesickness" for ones spouse comes into play. Boy, do I miss Brett more than anything in the world!

But, just because all of my readers are probably gonna get tired of whiny Brett and Abigail stories here's something new ( but not off topic) to share:

So, today two women who I didn't even KNOW, after finding out that my husband was in Afghanistan totally started crying ( not hardcore crying, but enough tears to take notice). Ummm...ok. I don't know how cool I am with that! I mean, I'm not crying! Should you really cry?! Is it a good idea to one-up the wife as far as emotion goes? I mean, SURE I'm not "super emotional" especially out in public where I try to put on my Awesome Army Wife face....but still. I feel like its common knowledge that you shouldn't bring out the tears in a public place when its obvious the wife has brought her Awesome Army Wife face with her....anyway, from this brief encounter with relative strangers I've come up with a....

Little Life Lesson:
So, in the future if you meet someone who's going through something hard, and they put on a Super Awesome Face-then instead of turning on some ( very authentic) sympathy tears-offer the person some chocolate or maybe a cookie ( if you have one handy)...or just say that you're saying a prayer for them ( even better than empty calories!), but do not counteract their Brave Awesome Face with tears. Its a no-no.
The End.

Facts I realized.

I have a friend who writes just like she was a standup comedian. Honestly, that's how she writes. Awesome.
I have a friend who writes normal every day emails that sound just like a children's book. Honestly she writes like that. Fabulous.
I have a friend who writes emails about normal every day events and makes them sound interesting. Wonderful.

I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but now I realize that Brett is lucky too. My darling friends have bestowed their talents of entertainment onto him! Its almost like God KNEW we were going to get married and he gave me the perfect friends in preparation! ( or something like that...)

In other news, I'm getting my haircut tomorrow and its gonna be drastic. As long as it grows out by the time Brett gets back we'll be fine! hehehe

Postal Service for Dummies

So, Brett finally has an address in which we can reach him in A-stan...and if you haven't already received an email with the new address, comment and I'll get it to you as soon as possible!

And since we've now got a solid address ( at least for now! hahaha!), I'll go forward with a helpful question that I got over the weekend of suggestions of nice things to send Brett:

Postage for letters is the same as it would be to send any letter within the US, and you can buy the set-rate boxes for $10.95 ( that's total shipping! That's awesome!) -sadly I don't know what its like in NZ...it might be a bit different...

First of all, letters:
I think more than anything you could send Brett...letters would be at the top of his list. In fact, I don't just think, I KNOW! Because I asked him and that's what he asked for! So, write the boy a letter. And if you're not the letter writing type let me give you a few suggestions:
-tell Brett about your day...including what you ate for dinner ( this is a question my father always asks and its a funny one and always gets "the party started" conversation wise. ;-)
-tell him about movies you've seen, books you've read, friends you've met, what you've gotten in your quiet time recently ( this is one of my favorite things to email people!), and all about sermons or lectures you've heard recently. ( hey! By the end of this deployment Brett's going to be smarter than all the rest of us with all this shared knowledge!)
-Send pictures. Pictures are ALWAYS a good idea...if you've got kids send pictures of them, if you've got pets, send pictures of them...if you have neither than take a nice self portrait of you brushing your teeth in the bathroom mirror and send that....I'm sure you get the picture that pictures are a good idea ;-) ( *ahem*)

Packages:
From what I've been told if you'd like a package to get to Brett before Christmas than the deadline in Dec. 4th. Although, please do not let this stop you, because Brett's birthday is Jan. 26th ( its his GOLDEN birthday! He's turning 26!!!!!!) and so even if a package is late it'll be nice to make January a fun month for him too!
As far as what to put in a package here are some suggestions...hopefully I'll be able to add more to this list soon, once I know what his new surrounds are like and things he might need...but for now we'll just stick with the fun stuff!
-Magazines, Newspapers ( clippings of an article you thought was extra good...that kinda thing).
-Books ( Brett is a sucker for a good book...especially in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy department...but he's really not picky!) to make it even more fun, send him something that you've read that YOU'VE really liked! I know Brett will enjoy getting to know you better through your choices!
-Candy, Brett is not super picky on his favorites...but he DOES like M&Ms ( peanut are his favorite but peanut butter are yummy too...hey! they're all good!). But, once again-stick with you're own favorites and he'll enjoy it I'm sure!
-Cookies. You can send store-bought or homemade cookies-but make sure they are wrapped securely and bare in mind that the softer the cookie the more likely it will arrive in a large pile of crumbs!
-Sunscreen, lip balm, lotion, baby wipes...all of these things are nice extras that I know he will need in the next year so they will probably never go wrong!
-DVDs and AT&T international phone cards are both things that are kinda expensive but if you feel like you'd like to send something like that, well, that'd be fabulous! Of course, I'm always finding DVDs on sale for $5 these days so if you see something you think Brett might like ( or even just laugh at!) those are also a plus...I know the guys over there do a TON of movie watching, so SOMEONE will enjoy it!
*In fact, with all of these items its nice to know that even if Brett is not in need of something or its candy or food that he doesn't like...there are a bunch of other guys that he can share with, nice to know that these boxes can NEVER go wrong!! :-)
-Coffee....really, I hate to say this, but this request is mostly just for people in Nacogdoches. Brett is an avid fan of Java Jacks coffee....so any dark roast, full bean ( not grounded) coffee will always be accepted with delight hehehe...in fact, I'm going to be sending him a french press and a grinder in the mail as soon as I can! That boy does love his coffee!
-Last of all, be creative! Art work you're kids made, decorations for his room... From what I can tell, the sky is the limit of what you can send, but make sure its something that if, in the off chance, that it got lost you wouldnt be totally devastated...
Also, I've been told its best to be as "vague" as possible on the customs slip and just "round down" on the money cost...that always helps things get through a little easier ;-)

But, I'm just going to go ahead and repeat that most of all Brett just wants to hear from you, even if its just an email to say "Hi"....to know that you love him and are supporting him during this year means more than anything! We are already so grateful for your emails of support to him and to myself! We are terribly lucky!

Life in the fast lane.

Well, its been quite the crazy week...and its only Tuesday! Its amazing how Brett's life-while so far away-still affects my own so very much! After finding out that he was being transferred to one of the other teams going to the northern region of A-stan its been a bit of an "up in the air" kind of feeling for me. On the one hand more than ever I feel that God is putting Brett exactly where He wants him to be, and on the other hand I worry about Brett and how he's feeling about all the changes that have entered his life in the past, oooh, two weeks. He's been on quite the roller coaster! But, of course, he's handled everything so well. I can't tell you how proud I am of him, of his faith, his strength, his humility ( although sometimes I think he's too humble!), his integrity and his desire to serve those around him. I'm bursting with pride that he's my husband!

Ultimately I've had much to be grateful for:
1. I've gotten to talk to Brett twice and enjoy one long informative email that gave me all the details that I craved-mostly just how Brett was feeling....the thing I miss most about not having him around is not having the luxury of grilling him on all that enters his mind :-)

2. My lovely family..both related and not. Texas, while its no longer "home" has many of the aspects of home that I most crave-people with like heart and mind and all those oddly comforting familiar things that a town you've grown up in has to offer.

3. My birthday countdown. Oh yes, friends! This year I've been amiss! How could I forget to start the countdown on November 1st to remind you that my birthday is fast approaching!??! Obviously I thought I had "more important things" going on in my life...but now I'm seeing the error of my ways! I turn 25 on Saturday and I feel like you should all be prepared to acknowledge that fact in prose or verse. Which ever.

4. Friends. I'm now well into the first season. I watch it in the late night hours when normal people are in bed and when I need the comfort of "friends" to put me to sleep so that I don't stay up worrying....lucky for me, my sister owns all ten seasons too...this way I didnt have to bring mine from home ;-)

5. The love of Christ, which I know is helping me. I've already felt like a failure at this whole "army deployed" wife business several times and I haven't even been doing it for very long! Yet, I pray continually for the grace of God that I might do this honorably. Its harder than I thought it would be! But, He's faithful to forgive...and I have a fresh start each day!

hold the phone ( or mail)

I missed a call from Brett this morning because I turned my phone off while I was in church. Its literally the only time I EVER have my phone off...and of course, that's when he called.

Its these kind of things that make me the most upset.

However, in his message I have learned that Brett will no longer be at the COIN academy...he's not sure where he'll be now, but I think he's relatively happy about the possible change, since he was never that excited about the prospects there anyway....nevertheless, and this is the important part.

PLEASE DISREGARD the address that I posted for Brett a few days ago, it will no longer be valid and I'm just praying that he'll get the package that I've already sent ( or anything that you lovely people sent him)...I'm sure he will eventually get his mail, but for now we all have to hold off on sending him mail.

It's difficult to stay positive with the events of today, but I know that the Lord is guiding Brett's path and He will put him exactly where He wants Brett to be, and that's ultimately the most important thing about today....

love/hate

I have a love hate relationship with Washington.
I love things like the Indian food, good shopping and other oddities that I couldn't find in Kansas....
I hate the traffic.

Seriously, the traffic on I-5 is enough to drive a women insane.


But, all in all, I am happy with the decision to move back here in a few months, of course, today when Papa and I put Kansas stuff in with the rest of Brett and my belongings in storage I was struck by how TOTALLY awful its going to be moving without Brett! I mean, honestly....boys are SO useful to have around! I'm going to have to search around for those verses in the bible about taking care of the widows and show it to the navigator guys as an example of why they're going to need to fill in with some serious "boy" duties....things like lifting heavy objects and putting together furniture-not abigail tasks.

Luckily this is almost two months away....we'll revisit this subject at a later date...for now I'm going to bed-I'm heading to Texas tomorrow!

Home is where the heart is

I'm terribly homesick for Brett tonight. There is no one I'd rather talk to or cry to or get a hug from right now. I can't tell you how many times a day I want to email him!
But right now, if all went according to plan, he is leaving from K-stan for A-stan....so all my emails would/are just going to pile up in his inbox and look needed...something army wives should try not to be. So I blog... A fourteen and a half hour drive in a day makes me weepy.

OBVIOUSLY

When you've packed up all your belongs, belongings that incidentally fit into TWO cars the first time around and now must fit into ONE...and you've eyed them nervously as they sit piled up against your living room wall....the only thing to do in a situation like this is to....

go shopping.

I know.

I am not even entirely sure what made my car drive over there to the mall where they were having the, and I quote, "biggest sale ever"...and just because those three( horribly bulky) sweaters and ( large) ugg boots cost the same as what normally just one pair of boots would cost...well, STILL! I blame the fact that I've been left alone for too many days in a row.

Besides, I'm pretty sure all the stuff isnt going to fit in the car anyway, and four more items of clothing arent going to make it WORSE.

*ahem*

Annnyway, I'll get back to you tomorrow about whether or not everything fits into the car. I'm praying that tonight God would go ahead and turn the car into the car version of Mary Poppin's carpet bag. I'm also praying that God would make it NOT rain while I'm dragging all my stuff out to the car.

And these are the times you miss having boys around. Well, actually I miss Brett all the time....but this is just a bit of added missing.

So, here's the plan-for those of you who are dying to know: My darling Papa is arriving in Kansas tomorrow and he and I are going to be trekking across the country to Washington, where I will be depositing my belongings and my car and heading back to Texas for a month of partying. I've never done a long drive alone with my papa before, but I can't imagine it being anything but interesting. So I'm looking forward to telling you all about it after its all said and done.
I can't tell you how glad I will be to be in Texas. I need some much needed family/friend soaking up.

Totally Fine.

The silence is over!
I felt so much better after talking to Brett on the phone last night. But, I realized that I was actually doing quite a bit better when he called anyway...yes, I have my needy moments but God has been SO good so far in revealing Himself in this situation.

So, Brett's in some country starting with a "K" and ending in "stan" ( too lazy to look it up!) and he'll be there for a couple more days before going to Afghanistan. I think he felt a bit "stuck in the middle" when I talked to him, but God has already blessed him with some fellowship as well as closeness to Himself, and that encourages me greatly! I got online because Carmi emailed me saying Brett was online ( I check my email on my phone pretty much constantly, but I can't tell who's on chat or not) so I immediately jumped online and apparently Brett's currently writing a "mass email" to send out. I also know on good authority that he'll be blogging again soon, so I'll let you know more about that when it happens...BUT, if you'd like to be on his mass email list and you don't think Brett has your email address feel free to contact me ( or Brett if you have his email address) and we'll get on that! I know we both appreciate all the prayers that have been lifted up on his behalf over the past few days...they are definitely being felt!

Today, I went to a church down the road from where I am living, Faith Baptist Church. Brett and I had both noticed it during frequent drives between home and Fort Riley because its one of the few church signs that actually puts up Bible verses! I can't tell you how wonderful I think this is!!! I mean, you have this free "advertising" why WOULDN'T you take advantage of that and put up the actual Word of God?! Something that has actual Power? Anyway, this particular church has two verses up every week and I had been blessed by it so I decided to attend. It was a very tiny church, but everyone was very friendly and the word of God was preached, and I was able to thank them for their great sign! All in all a nice Sunday morning.
I spent the day packing and watching bad reality TV. I don't have too much packing left to do, so hopefully I can spend most of tomorrow cleaning and making the place sparkle for my housemate. Its the LEAST I can do for her since she blessed Brett and I both soooo much for giving us such a lovely place to live the past few months!

Friends

Thank goodness for Friends! I somehow made it to 5pm today because of them....I'm sure none of you really know how important it is to me to talk to you these days.. whether its a text message, phonecall or facebook message....they're getting me through one at a time.
Especially since I still havent gotten the one email/phonecall that I'd REALLY like....

Of course, the other Friends helped too...disc one of season one. Luckily I own all ten seasons. ;-) That's a good forty days of self-medication right there! :-P

one day?

So I'm lame. I'm totally over this being "fine" Business. It's been less than two days and all I want in all the world is for Brett to call me. I don't even know where in the world he IS!! How do people do this?! I have a headache and I really really don't want to pack ( which is what I told myself to do today ). I need help

The rainbow

I came across this hymn today in my time with the Lord, and this particular verse describes Brett's leaving yesterday so well...
O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee,
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not in vain,
That morn shall tearless be....
- George Matheson

When the day is done

Well, we did it. Brett left, and I let him go. In fact, here it is 7pm and I have yet to cry. I just feel a giant hole in my chest, or maybe pressure on my heart....either way this definitely hurts! But, that's really no surprise is it? What is worth mentioning is that I woke up with the praise song "I am Free" ( which if you haven't heard the live recording of this... You need to- I get goosebumps every time! Anyway, that's how I started the day,oddly enough, and praise definitely was the theme from then on... I can only be grateful for how smoothly the past week has gone- and even today and yesterday which were most definitely the hardest, I can still say they were filled with beautiful memories with Brett...and on the drive home after saying goodbye...all I could do was praise God for His provisions.
I am heartbroken, but at the same time I am assured that the Lord who made me free from sin also holds the hearts of my marriage.Brett's path is already paved...and so is mine. Today we took the first steps onto a new, granted very bumpy, road!

lack of balance

Well, good morning folks!

This morning I woke up to the knowledge that this would be Brett's last day with me. ( or so they say) before he leaves for a year of duty in Afghanistan.

Let's just say that my earlier "good" morning was a bit of a stretch. ;-)

However, since Brett is at work today doing all his last minute preparations (or whatever they do there). I took this opportunity to send a card to my cousin Emily and her family...she is still in critical condition and my heart cries out for her constantly. Anyway, I was looking through Amy Carmichael's Mountain Breezes, to find some encouraging words to send to them and ended up being buoyed myself.
Words of Truth never fail to bring us back to the REAL balance of life!
You cannot afford to miss a day with your King.

I also found facebook annoying today...everyone all riled up over politics. Stop whining and go read Psalms 27.

don't forget!!

Don't forget my blog!!!!
I've always been afraid that if I stopped blogging for too long that everyone would stop reading it, and that's pretty much on par with having people not listen to your awesome stories while at a party. or something else equally bad.

Anyway, lately I've not wanted to take the time to blog because I have this intense feeling of needing to BE in every single moment. a.k.a. I wanted to make sure I spent as much time with Brett as possible. Thus the no blog posts.

But currently Brett is uploading songs to his ipod ( which takes years if you have a lot of music-which we do.) so I'm taking this time to update you on our lives in the past few days....

Things we've done to make us happy before Brett leaves for the Middle East:

1. We've gained weight. I'm not exactly sure how much, but I'm doubting the giant and terrible-for-you meals we've been eating haven't been without consequence. But, we've gained weight at places like: Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Cheesecake Factory, Chili's....WHOA. I had no idea how they all started with "C" but that is AWESOME!

2. We've watched happy movies and TV shows...mostly "Pushing Daisies: Season One" ( which totally reminds me of the movie Big Fish, in that it looks just like a fairy tale should..)oh, and we've watched lots of kid movies such as Cars and Toy Story 2 and Kung Fu Panda ( which we saw in a hotel room, and we were extra excited about since it doesnt come out on DVD till after Brett leaves and he was sad...)

3. We've read books. And bought books. Two of our favorite things, I don't think Brett and I will ever stop enjoying these two activities.

4. We played hangman. ( man, iphones are great...)

5. We went to a lake/dam. We took dam pictures and had a fun filled dam day.

6. We took care of important, last minute tasks that needed to be done before Brett leaves, and I'm proud to say that we've, so far, been able to leave the "stressed out" feeling at the door...this has been a major answer to prayer for me!!!

7. We went for a random drive and looked at people's houses...and wondered what they did.

8. We talked about the future. And then laughed.

9. Brett bet me that a table of girls at a restaurant would know the name of the car from Knight Rider. He lost.

10. I bet Brett that any random person that we called on the phone would know who Emily Post was. I lost.

11. We've talked our dreams and about God. They kinda go hand in hand.

12. We've talked about books we've read, and books we'd like to write.

13. We've slept in.

14. We've stayed up late.

15. We've been thankful for every second.

Prayer Request.

Please pray for my cousin Emily who is currently fighting for her life soon after giving birth to her fifth child ( Sarah is doing well as far as I know). This family is dear, and with five children under the age of seven...Honestly, I am without words....but my prayers are coming out loud and strong. PLEASE pray for Emily and her family...
If you would like to know more and up to date prayer requests...I just found this website ( oh, the power of the internet!) put up on behalf of Emily.

ten fingers!!!

Awww, this is going to be grand! For the first time in ten days, I'm blogging on a full fledged computer key board! And while the iphone was able to keep you all apprise while I was away, and for that I am very grateful...nothing replaces typing with all your fingers as opposed to ONE.

Now, I'm back to rapid fire writing. And I'm back in Kansas. Kansas is sunny and its beautiful ( because Fall is the best time of year anywhere!!!), and I'm going to just go ahead and be grateful that I'll most likely be spending the better part of the next two months in Texas, since, while Washington turned on the pretty weather while I was there...I was not fooled. It was cold and it got dark at ungodly hours...and I will definitely be happy to only have to experience six months of winter and rain instead of eight. hehehe.

And speaking of cold...I've made a decision about Brett leaving. I need a hot water bottle. I was thinking a long the lines of how I'd lived in a cold places before without a husband to put my icey feet on ( seriously, he's a saint)...and so SURELY I could do it again, right?! So, I thought back to those days of singledom and snow...and I remembered just WHAT had kept my toes roasty...HOT WATER BOTTLES!!! Of course, I then had to think about all the times I had huddled up with my "hottie" and a cup of tea ( and the layers of fat I put on as well...gee, I hope I don't do that again!) and how I'd gotten through quite a lot of cold that way! So, it went on my list of things I needed to try and find ( while you can find a hot water bottle just about anywhere-with cute covers to boot-in New Zealand, they are near impossible to find here in the states where people just turn their heaters up ( recession anyone?!)...
AND THEN...just to make me even MORE in need of a hot water bottle, I was reading "Eat, Pray, Love" on the plane yesterday and the author mentioned that when she went to live on her own for the very first time, her sister gave her a hot water bottle as a house warming gift!! THERE! Its settled! A hottie is the answer to all my current woes about my husband leaving.


Of course, we all know that's not true...but that is how my mind works. After the inevitable tears-I swing back into denial-tearless mode and I start to 'fix' things. I'm already obsessing over packing everything up here in Kansas, and how the cars are going to get away from Kansas, where I'm going to get a job and live in Washington when I eventually move there, and of course, what sort of weird diet can I go on to lower my cholesterol. Anyway, I realize this might be hard for Brett to be around once he gets back from California. So I'm going to try very very hard not to be all weird and obsess-y about weird things. The goal is to try to somehow enjoy our last few days together, try to not think about what's coming...but at the same time to think about it enough to prepare for it, and to think about it enough to fully enjoy each other and not take anything for granted....is that even POSSIBLE?!?

I'm not entirely sure I'm mentally mature enough for this.

But, who cares...I cannot wait till Brett gets back in town this evening. I cannot WAIT.

Meaning

not exactly sure when I blogged last but it's safe to say it was pitiful. Of course, I was pitiful, so it all makes sense... The past few days have lasted an eternity and I've felt a little like I was drowning. And while we're not out of the stormy waters yet I've had my moments where I come up for air.
Like last night when I went to Bible study and while it was amazing just HOW many people I didn't know, I WAS reminded just WHY Brett and I made the decision for me to move back here. I am passionate about womens ministry. After of a week of loneliness,sadness, ackwardness, and weirdness it was as if faded to the background, I almost felt physically hungry to get back into learning about teaching and loving on people. I saw some needs and girls that I missed and new girls that I thought were great and I could hardly wait to get back here to get involved....
Of course, all the details are not clear- such as the minor details of where to live and where to work* but those are minor details. I know that this Love is no accident and while I am truly humbled that I have TONS to learn, I feel once again that this is the place I should be to start learning.

* today I went to a lame-o interview at State Farm. It was lame because it was just was just a preliminary interview with some HR chick and also because the job I thought I was applying for was closed to interviews on Friday. Also I felt bumbly and stupid. I hate job interviews, because even though I was not even that attached to the job- Its still like a bad date, YOU want to be the hot, desirable one who breaks it off. Blah. But no harm done, back to my original plan of not worrying about this until I actually move back.

And I am, I am moving back. It goes against all reasoning to come back to this cold, dark state for a year without a husband to put my ice feet on, but I'm sure of this- more sure than all the other stuff... Which doesn't say much, but it does say a little. And a little will keep me from drowning.

old news

well today, was interesting... Started well with a coffee catch up with a friend followed by a call back for an interview for the job I applied for last week- I'll be going for a test and an interview on Wednesday, so we will see how that goes.
As the day continued I spent a goodly amount of time waiting in the army hospital vortex waiting to see an overly talkative yet unhelpful doctor who in the end did give me medicine to combat my migraines but did not give me any helpful advice on how to prevent them ( I guess he'd be out of a job then, heaven forbid). And as an added bonus he told me that my blood work that I had done in June said I had high cholestrol. Awesome. I already eat pretty healthy and exercise!!! What more can I do?!? Luckily my trusty ( overweight) doctor didn't seem that worried... " it's probably hereditary"
So I guess my parents have been holding out on me! But even if my doctor is unconcerned I'm considering going on a crazy go nuts diet after Brett leaves.... What else do I have to do?!

just kidding

turns out that Brett will now only have four days of leave instead of six. Now not only am I crying about my husband but I must figure out how two get two cars out of Kansas- one of which has to get all the way to Washington. Carmi told me to take one day at a time when I was using up six tissues one right after the other on the phone with her- good advice but doesn't stop me from wondering how I'm going to get through the month of november .

lean on... Lead on

Well, after a call from my sisterinlaw I realized my blog is more of a ramble than a reliable source of information. Of course, I would love to say that things are going to change- but let's be honest that probably isn't even possible for me these days ( I hardly know what's happening myself). But for the sake of keeping facts alive.... Last night Brett told me that he'll be leaving for the big A on the fifth of November and with that sentence came a whole wave of emotion that I THOUGHT I was ready but apparently I was wrong. The fact that we literally have ten days left to see each other total ( including days he will still be doing training....) makes me want to scream, " it's not enough time!"
More than anything I am surprised by the tears- they keep squeezing out all the time even when I am talking to someone about something totally different, I feel so horrible and weak thinking of all the countless women and families going through far worse than I. Where is my strength? Where is my resolve?
In Christ. He is our strength, our resolve.

I have applied for an ungettable job at State Farm Headquarters, that with the help of my friend katies inside connections I might get an interview for next week... But honestly, being back here I am struck at how I had hoped God would give me some big " purpose" while Brett was gone so that I would feel some sort of comfort or drive to this coming year without him... But now I know that will not happen. There is no quick bandaid for this. Day by day we must walk, hoping for a strength not of ourselves.

How I know

So first of all this is a test to see just how annoying and slow it is to blog with on finger. ( via my iphone) so far I'd go with "really really annoying , but surprisingly fast" . In other news, I am in the great state of washington and I know this for several reasons:
1. I went to three different coffee places as a matter of course in just one day.
2. I had to get up and put socks on so I could sleep last night.
3. I actually see people other than Brett who have known me longer than a month.
4. I woke up at 6am and have not been able to back to sleep even though I am way tired. Stupid time zones!
5. I miss Brett terribly and it's not even like I won't get to see him again in two weeks! A year here, heck a year anywhere, without him is gonna be awful.

How 'bout them Apples?!?

So, as I may have mentioned before, Brett and I spent the weekend in KC...doing some much needed R&R ( well, for Brett anyway...my LIFE is R&R!).

Here are some scattered thoughts ( the best I can do this morning) about our weekend:

The Apple Store is evil, it sucks you in and you end up at the end of your weekend with an ipod touch ( for Brett) and an iphone ( for me). hahaha! Just kidding, I'm incredibly happy with our purchases, but I do feel like an incredible consumer having dropped so much money in one weekend...

Avocado Eggrolls are A-maaaazing! If there is any possible way you can get yourself some of these babies ( they're usually served as an appetizer) than GET THEM. They were positively heavenly.

The weather this weekend was beautiful! It was probably in the mid-70s and sunny up until we left! Yay, for Walking!

Brett and I like "hippy coffee"...the best coffee we found was where the ultra hippies hung out ( literally, in rows of chairs out front)-luckily, we drive a Prius so we showed them our hippy ways...

God gave us a Half Price Book store. We had found a Half Price using our GPS and were headed across town to find it, when we took a different turn next to our hotel and spied one less than two blocks from where we were staying! Stupid GPS! YAY! for taking a random road!

Of course, I now have THREE new books I want to read...which is always exciting! Especially since I'm going on a trip tomorrow, and trips need books! Maybe the library will have them...

We watched the movie "Body of Lies". I had to shut my eyes during an incredibly intense scene towards the end and I left the movie theatre feeling sick to my stomach. Of course, we should know better than to go see a movie before the election-every bodies got an agenda.

The next night we watched Wall-e in our hotel room. I was on the verge of tears the whole movie because Wall-e was not just cute, he was HEARTBREAKINGLY cute. He was like a puppydog and a lonely little man all wrapped into one. But, its a great movie. Just bring tissues if you're sensitive.


Our hotel was pretty flashy, we got drinks every evening from 5:30 to 7:30 and a giant breakfast every morning...oh, and we had two TVs in our room(s)...that's right. TWO. Because one isnt enough anymore. *rolls eyes*


Brett and I had lots of interestingly nerdy conversations-like when we argued ( or "talked passionately") about which was better fiction or nonfiction...or when we discussed where the TV show Heroes was going this season, for almost an hour. It was fun.


Buuuut, now its on to the real world...and tomorrow Brett leaves for California for ten days and I leave for Washington. I know my trip will be good, but its definitely hard to separate from Brett so close to the end of his time here in the states. Wasteful. Stupid army.

Time is flying by and I feel like we're holding on too tight. Lord help us to be graceful here at the end.....

One more thing...

If youMy Life Lessons From Meals on Wheels haven't already read my first post today , then go do that now...and if you have, here's something I forgot to say about volunteering and being neighborly...
From my observations, it is those who do nice things for other people that are the happiest. I've noticed that if someone isn't being productive and they end up sitting around moping the nice things that other people do for them never seem to cut it. That's because when you're being self-centered there is always room for more, more people could call you, more people could love you, more people could give you nice things...but if instead, you are focused on others and doing nice things for people maybe even less fortunate for you, I promise you'll have a better outlook on your OWN friends and family...you'll start to see all the nice things they do for YOU.

*end sermonizing*

Life Lessons from Meals on Wheels

In honor of my possible last week of doing meals on wheels I thought I'd share some of the important lessons I've learned from driving around delivering meals to elderly people 2/3 times a week...

1. People who make an effort to engage with other humans at least once a day are healthier.
Kids, this is STRAIGHT UP the truth!!! I could tell a drastic difference between the people I delivered to who sat and watched tv all day and those who not only chatted with me when I gave them their meal but seemed to be involved with friends, neighbors and family members on a regular basis....I also happen to know this from personal experience. Its not good for Abigail to be all alone with her thoughts ( and the tv) for days on end.

2. Don't be afraid to dress-up and look nice even if you've got no where to go.
I've got to say that the over 75 set puts the youth of america ( aka. university students) to SHAME. I'll drive down a street, nearly hitting five or six college kids walking to class, all wearing some variation of sweats and a T-shirt and then deliver a meal to a home bound lady who's seriously wearing the cutest costume jewelry ever. And while I didn't take a poll, I bet that lady felt better about herself for wearing those cute earrings and matching necklace....or the man in the wheel chair with a very nice blue stripped button down shirt that brought out his eyes...I am definitely convinced that making the effort on your appearance can make the difference on how you view life.

3. Open up your curtains!!!! For HEAVEN SAKE!
This is sadly, what I would say about 75% of the people I deliver meals fail to do. It'll seriously be the most beautiful fall day known to man, and I'll open a door into a musty and dark cave to deliver a meal. I quite literally want to drag the person out into the sun!!! Alternately, those who have their curtains open( maybe just in preparation for my arrival...who cares!) seem to be in much better moods and much more aware of the goings on of the day. Also, I might as well add, since its so popular these days, that its BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT and saves MONEY, since you won't have to turn on as many lights!
Now, many of you may be wondering who I am talking to, since a lot of you probably DO open your curtains or shades every day, well, I've noticed that a LOT of single guys seem to sit around with all the lights in the house on and no windows open. I dont know why this is...Brett has not answer for me, although he fit into this category at one time. hmm.

4. Talk to your grandparents.
Now, I've always been a fan of grandparents, but it just reiterated it in my mind how important it is to hang out with them if you can, and call them if you can't. OR,novel thought, send them a birthday card on their birthday, a valentine's day card on valentine's day...seriously, any opportunity to send something in the mail, use it. I say this because, sadly, a lot of the people I visit with have been pretty well deserted by their families. But, you better believe that those who have, even the most minimal interaction with children or grandchildren, tell me about it. I see them for literally two minutes and I hear about the very minor ( in the grand scheme of things) thing their family member did for them....Now, wouldn't YOU like to be talked about, bragged about? And one day, wouldn't you like for people to remember to call you and send you birthday cards?! Heck! I bet you like it when people do that for you NOW! So, don't forget about your grandparents...they probably have some good stories to tell, and of all the people you talk to today, they will appreciate it more than everyone else. Stop being selfish with your time and do something nice!

5. Be neighborly.
Now, I didn't just learn this from Meals on Wheels, but from my whole time here in Kansas. I have met some of the nicest neighbors! People who cut grass, give rides to the grocery store, baby-sit, change light bulbs, fix running toilets, cook dinners, pet-sit, pick up mail, take out the garbage cans, visit people in the hospital and all in all are involved in the lives of those who live around them! Now, I'm the first to admit that I've not been the best neighbor in the past ( and I've also HAD the most evil neighbor in the world...so there's that.), but what a wonderful example of loving others! And it has made me smile so much to see some of the random acts of kindness shown towards Army Wives left alone with their kids, Elderly who are sick or home bound, or just busy people who need a helping hand! It is truly inspirational....and hey, you might make some new friends!

6. Eat Desert.
I find it really wonderful that meals on wheels, which probably states somewhere that they deliver "well balanced meals", also provides a small desert. Heck yes! I mean, come on! Sometimes eating desert is the best part of the day, so why hold back?! Now, I'm definitely not saying that you should eat a dozen cookies in one sitting, or that you should even eat something incredibly sugar...some yummy fruit might be nice, or a little "dab of ice cream" ( as my grandmother always said)....but I think if you can cut it, let yourself have a little "luxury" in the desert department, life really IS too short to be without chocolate.

7. Volunteer if at all possible.
Today on my way back to the Senior Center I started calculating in my mind when the next time I could be involved with the Meals on Wheels program, and I realized that it probably won't be until I'm without a job again ( aka. I have kids or I'm once again off somewhere for a shortish amount of time)-but believe me, if I have a chance to help teach a night class at a senior center, or do Big Brother, Big Sisters, or if I can once again spare ONE HOUR ( at the most) of my mid-morning ( usually most senior centers do meals on wheels any time between 10:30 and 12-and its up to their volunteers of when they go out.) then you better believe I'm doing it. I promise it will be rewarding and you'll meet new and interesting people.

Consequence

Today, I realized this might be my last week of doing Meals on Wheels. This actually made me realy really sad. This proves how quickly I get into a grove and how much I hate change.

Then again, I'm leaving Kansas for all sorts of interesting adventures...
Yet you tell me how anything possibly compete with today?!

Today I chatted with Florence. Last week we talked about her roses and how they were still blooming in October, this week we talked about her cat and the next door neighbor's dogs, Buddy and Boss and their ball ( I swear I did not make up this alliteration!) . I know it sounds inconsequential but the whole interaction made me think of my Memaw back when I was in elementary school and how she'd come pick me up from school and she and I would talk about the same sort of things. It was one of those happy/sad moments.

And on the note of grandparents...today is my PawPaw's birthday! I sent him a chocolate cake that I saw on Rachel Ray ( which is incidentally his favorite show...so hopefully I'll get extra points for that) I almost ordered one for myself too, but I had great restraint.

Pretender

Right now Brett and I are pretending to watching the Presidential debate. I feel ok about the fact that I've spent the past hour ( an hour I should have been watching politics in action) reading my old blog posts. Laughing. I use to be really funny. Or maybe its just that I blogged more. I need to blog more.
*sigh*
Evil Neighbor? COMIC GOLD.

Anyway, while I was reading about myself ( *cough* self-centered*cough*), Brett was reading a book written by one of our friends from high school ( yeah, he got it published. rock on.).

So yes, we aren't watching the debate like we should. But I already know who I'm gonna vote for. So there.


Oh, and today I found out that someone in London, England pretended to be me on October 3rd. That's right! And not only that, they bought over $500 in Train Passes with my debit card.

Luckily my bank is taking care of it for me, but I wonder which one of the presidential candidates is going to take care of bank fraud for me?! Its a problem.

love, love..

I love sleeping with the windows open. Tell me where I could move where I could have my windows open 365 and I'd totally move there.( well, actually no, but I'd WANT to move there...)

I love the movie Akeelah and the Bee, and I've decided movies about Spelling Bees are particularly enjoyable unless they have Richard Gere ( that horrible movie Bee Season deserves to be shot.) in them.

I love Leona Lewis. Here CD is worthy of a look-see, but her song "Better in Time" is worthy of an immediate download/listen. Do it.

I love the fact that the movie Fireproof is a really good look at not giving up on marriage and the need for Christ's love...and I am happy to say I was not embarrassed by the production value of the movie, which is nice....


I love that Brett and I are spending three nights in a suite in Kansas City this weekend. Pampering is always a good idea.

clarification for my readers:

Ah readers! Why do you put up with me at all?!

I'm sorry to just drop information on you all so casually and expect you to take it with a grain of salt...so here are some more details for you...

I was asked to be a substitute teacher for the Pre-AP/AP English teacher at the high school where my mother works. At first, it seemed like a dream come true-since it fit perfectly into the time I would probably be in Nacogdoches anyway for the holidays.

I started to get stressed out when I realized that my trip to China AND the substituting gig would not BOTH fit into the time allotted. So, after some praying I decided to give up the substituting job, since I'd already made plans to go to China, and family always comes first.

Then I was told that the teachers and administrators who'd wanted me to substitute teach, didnt care if I wasn't there for the whole six weeks...they wanted me anyway ( this shows how desperate they must be!!). And then I got an email directly from the teacher thanking me for taking on the gig and giving me some insight into her classes...so all of a sudden both my China trip and my teaching gig were back on.

And just to keep going with details...it turned out that Aunty D. and I could no longer go to China at the same time. So I emailed my cousin directly last night to see if that still wanted me to come at all and when would be best for them. So far, all I've gotten was "before January". So, I suppose from that response I could go any time...in the next two months after Brett leaves, so now its all about trying to figure out when the best time would actually BE.

~~~

So, there you have it, Friends! Hopefully that helps you be in the total-Abigail-loop. As you can see-my life is now about "doing it all". If it doesn't kill me-it'll make me stronger ( as in, I'll have lots of fun.)

All that Jazz

So, I just registered for an absentee ballot so that I can vote in November. Sweet. That's right. I'm going to participate in democracy. I was inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio and his advertisement with all those other politically correct actors ( I'm so being sarcastic right now). I mean, I take all my advice on big things like the presidential election from people that are fake for a living.

In other news, this morning after my meals on wheels route I sat outside for ages enjoying the beautiful beautiful weather. I am SO digging this fall weather! I am especially enjoying the fact that its sunny and the high is in the low 70s, both are things that I would probably not be enjoying in Washington on a consistent basis. I no longer take weather for granted. But anyway, while I was sitting outside I was also drinking my usual double tall soy latte, but with the added adjective of 'decaf' at the beginning. I know, its official I've sworn off of caffeine. Of course, its much easier to swear off of something like caffeine when you're getting, like, 11 hours of sleep on average. But, nonetheless, I decided to let go of my darling caffeine as part of my "trying not to have headaches" plan. I mean, it couldn't hurt, right? I also tried to get a doctors appointment for the week that I could possibly be in Washington but no such luck. I'll have to pray over my phone ( something that has totally worked in the past) and call again. Whatever the case, life is about to get busier and I think it might be hard for me to adjust. In some ways it is SCARY how easily I did NOTHING AT ALL for six weeks without too much drama. Of course, I would normally say something self-depreciating like "I'm lazy" but luckily my dear Aunty D, said it best with this statement "Not easily bored"...hahaha...so much more positive!

And on that note, it seems like the right time to bring up my current worry....it looks like the wonderful people at the high school where my mother works did not take "no" for an answer and they still want me to substitute teach for an English teacher who's going on maternity leave. So, I got an email from the teacher last night and I was totally scared. Apparently everyone is expecting a "mini" version of my mother to show up and rock their socks off with amazing teaching skills. Ummm....negatatory. In fact, being a small town and everything, the news has already spread among the students that the daughter of Wonderful Mrs. Abt is coming to teach Pre-AP and AP English. Uh-oh. There is a limit to how long I can keep up a charade of awesome-ness and I'm pretty sure a school day is going to exceed that time constraint. Looks like I have some studying to do.

Dude, its October!

I realized with a sudden feeling of panic, that its officially October! This basically means "get ready for the crazy!"

This weekend trying to hit up the OZ Museum (because if you don't go to a wizard of oz museum when you're in Kansas, when ELSE are you gonna go!?!), next weekend spending the long weekend ( yes, ironically Brett did not get Labor Day off, but Columbus Day?! heck yes! That's something worth celebrating...*rolls eyes*) in Kansas City bumming around. Then Brett leaves sometime around the next weekend to go to California for the end of his training, and I either, A. stay in Kansas to 'save money'. B. go to Texas for a visit. or C. go to Washington for a visit and a visit to the doctor for my migraine-action.
And then...we're already at the last weekend in October, which is officially the end of Brett's training-and after that....well....he'll be ready to leave whenever they want him to leave, and that fact is REALLY hard to sink through my little head.

I think going to PWOC bible study has been really good for me, though. I am literally surrounded by women who's husbands are deployed, who's husbands have been deployed and who's husbands are about to be deployed...and they're all amazingly well-held-together...oh, and did I mention that on average they have three children all under the age of 9!? Yup. So, its been very inspiring to be around these women, to see that my situation is not new, or different, or even that special ( I have zero children, much to everyones dismay.)-good preparation for the future!

Now I'm off to do meals on wheels. I got a new day, so now I do it THREE days a week instead of TWO! Woo Hoo!

brains before beauty

So, yesterday I ran my fingers through my hair ( hey, I brushed it on Sunday! That's enough!!) and I put on eye-liner and mascara and I went and got a new passport picture.

And can I just say, without sounding too vain, that I absolutely look better than my 18 year-old passport picture! YESSS!

Of course, I can't seem to figure out the passport-renewal form at all, so apparently my brain HAS suffered in the past 6 years. Ahhh well, beauty before brains. Or something.


So, I know I've been a terribly blogger lately. But, I honestly had nothing new/original to say. And while you may be thinking, "That hasn't stopped you before, Abigail". And while that may be true. I've also had a perpetual headache for days, that has made staring at a computer screen seem like a terrible idea.
Which brings me to my prayer request:

I never actually switched my medical care to Kansas because...1. It was too much trouble. and 2. It was going to take weeks to switch over and I'm only here for a short time and 3. I never get sick ( HAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding, I'm just lazy...)

Annnnyway, long story short, now its REALLY too late to switch my medical care, because I'll probably only be here for three more weeks. Soooo, I'd just like my headaches to go away for the time being. That would be really really nice.

Shedding a little light

I'm watching the presidential debate right now. I don't like to talk about politics. I think its unladylike. ;-)
Actually, I'm incredibly incredulous towards government. The government has let me down a couple of times, but that won't stop me from voting. No siree. I'm gonna vote because I think I'd be letting down all those non-diplomatic country's citizens down if I didn't.

I do think I know who I'm voting for now though. It definitely helps to see the two dudes up there talking side-by-side. I like this much better than those lame-o advertisements they have on TV.

Whew. Ok, let's talk about something more important( sic). Today I went and watched the movie The Women at the theatre by myself. I went by myself because Brett is working tonight and tomorrow and sometimes you have to do fun things by yourself to make the time go by more pleasantly, besides I've quite literally spent 80 percent of my week in bed so I needed to celebrate the end of my headache ( hopefully). Annnnyway, I really liked this movie. I think it portrayed women and their relationships with each other, with work, with the opposite sex, with themselves -in a very interesting and sometimes rather accurate way. I laughed, I was touched and I would like to have Meg Ryan's hair.
Seriously, her curly hair was gorgeous. I'm thinking about getting a perm. For serious.


In other news, I talked to Carmi on the phone this afternoon and I mentioned to her that I needed to start mentioning the little ways that God is helping me get through "the hard days" more often on my blog. So, here goes...the past few days I've been fighting a pretty nasty headache. Its gone up and down in strength, but it pretty well tainted everything I did from Tuesday until today, and its been hard! But, even through this difficult week of Brett working late and me being Crazy Headache Girl, I felt God's help... on Wednesday Brett got home from work and we were going to go to the Navigator Bible study. I was totally torn because on one hand I wanted to be with Brett and I wanted to support Brett ( he was going to be sharing a lesson), but my head also felt like it was going to explode and the thought of spending two hours with a bunch of guys ( there are no girls at the bible study yet, unfortunately) was hard to stomach. Annnyway, I was really discouraged and tired and I felt miserable. But, Brett made the decision that I should stay home...So there I was, laying in the dark ( my favorite thing to do when I have a headache like that. ), and I ended up listening to a really great sermon by my Papa that really encouraged me and THEN I got a phone call from Leah in Washington. And I was able to talk and pray with her! I was struck by the fact that if I had not stayed home I would not have gotten to talk with Leah, something I'd wanted to do all week! So, there on a day when I was feeling pretty crummy as a wife, as a person, just crummy period. I was encouraged by a little reminder that we have a God who cares about the details, details like when a friend is going to call. He is able to bring light into even the darkest of rooms....
of course, not literally that would have made my head hurt worse...

No, the light He brought me was so much better, the beauty and Truth of His Word, the support of a sister, the encouragement of prayer, that light will not go out.

total recall

So, I have a pretty exciting/verging on migraine headache right now. Which I'm totally fighting off with willpower and three extra strength Tylenol. I'm mostly fighting it off because I had big ol' fat plans today that consisted of me going to the library.
Its important to my mental health for me to go to the library because of yesterdays overdose on television which I'm not allowing to happen today. So, yes, the headache has to go.

I asked my housemate yesterday for any good ideas for places for Brett and I to go for our four day weekend in coming up in October. She told me about this place.
And if there was ever a link that you went to on my blog this is the one to go to. Check out the accomodations section....that's right. THEMED rooms!!!! AHAHAHAHAHA!
Brett and I are very much considering staying in the Tahitian Treehouse just because the pictures will be worth it. That's right a Tahitian Treehouse in KANSAS. Tacky tacky.


In other news, Brett was able to come home last night after all. Of course, it was midnight, and i was half asleep. But, if you're an army wife you know just how important it is to just sleep in the same bed as your husband. So no complaining here.
I also can't complain because I talked to several wonderful friends/family on facebook chat last night, which totally kept me from going off the deep end. So that was a major bonus to life. The other majorly good thing about last night is that I listened to the Bethlehem Mission podcast of The Lord's Supper service from several weeks back. It basically consisted of Steve reading scripture and then the congregation singing. Now, sure the singing part wasn't the best quality recording...but it was enough for me. There is NOTHING so wonderful as listening to family sing praises to God. I was already getting my headache at the time ( this was around 11pm last night), but it was wonderful just lying in bed listening to that.

So, yes, I'd have to say this has been a struggle of a week, but I'd also have to say that I've been helped through it. So, three more days ( until Sunday...which is the best day of the week so it doesnt count), I think I can make it.

I'M-barrasing

So, kids. Its come to this. I'm watching the 100 top songs of the 90s on the VH1. This is not even the worst thing I've watched on TV today.

The worst would have to be: "The most smartest model" , its a competition with a bunch of really really stupid pretty people.

That's right. Bad grammar is in the title, that is JUST how bad it is.

OH!!! Yesssss! "I don't wanna wait" by Paula Cole just came on as number 80 of the songs...gosh what a great song!!


Can you tell....Brett isn't coming home tonight.

Another Month.

So, the last month in Kansas has really flown by, in fact, so quickly that I didn't even realize we'd been here for over a month until now. Wow.
I think the big thing about the past month has been just how much time I've gotten to spend with Brett! He actually comes home almost every night around FIVE! I didn't even know that was POSSIBLE in the army!!! Of course, this week he won't be coming home at all on Tuesday or Thursday and he still works six days a week every week...but considering when I decided to come to Kansas I thought I would only see Brett on Sundays, I am incredibly grateful for how well things have turned out thus far!
If anything this is all a testimony to how the Lord has been faithful to lead Brett and my life...even though we couldn't see it at the time we felt certain that there was a reason for me to come to Kansas...at the time I figured it was going to be some sort of "learning through torture" experience, but for it to turn out to really be about quality time with my hubby before he heads off to Afghanistan is an EXTRA unlooked for blessing! It has encouraged me greatly about the coming year and how God will continue to be faithful in His guidance.
While I realize that things might not always be such a nice surprise, I do know for a fact that all will work out for His glory.

So, this weekend Brett and I went and saw the comedy Ghost Town. It was totally hilarious. I totally recommend it to those of you into dry humor.

On our way out of the theatre Brett saw a guy who is also on another MiT team here at Riley driving out of the theatre at the same time, E was actually at Fort Benning at the same time as Brett several years ago and they have a lot of the same friends...anyway, as we drove past him and his wife on the road I yelled an impromptu invite to have dinner with us ( because that's just what I do). So Brett and I ended up having dinner with E and his wife J. It turns out that J is from Korea and Fort Riley is her first "taste" of middle America. Poor thing she was definitely shell shocked and seemed like she had not had a very good experience thus far. So, I was so happy to be able to tell her how to get to the library in Manhattan ( poor thing, she'd been going to that postage stamp-sized one on Post, remember? the one where I had the melt down and got locked in the trunk of my car!?! yeah.) And I invited her to PWOC with me tomorrow. She seemed really happy to have met us and I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to make her time her in Kansas a little better. MiT team wives support group here I come!

*ahem* It serves me right for saying all those complimentary things about the Army, because I just got a text from Brett saying he won't be home until 8 or 9. BOO! Poor guy, he was SO looking forward to the season premiere of Heroes tonight too!! I wish I had a way to tape it or something :-(

information:

1. I just finished reading "Bulletproof: The Making of an Invincible Mind" by Chuck Holton. While the cover and premise ( written by an ex-army ranger) totally turned me off, this book is definitely not just for military minded people or guys...In fact, I thought of women that I knew as I was reading, it definitely addresses the ( often associated with..) feminine fears that we have about our own lives, our husbands, children and friends. And overall, I was inspired to put my life into Christ's hands more and more. Go read it! *thanks to Leah for recommending it, and to Chuck for giving me the book!*

2. The Office Season 4 is making me laugh....but is it just me who has to fastforward scenes where the office employees interact with people outside the office setting?! I get SO embarrassed for them!

3. This morning I was called at 2am by a guy on staff duty at Fort Lewis trying to get a hold of Leut. Wilson...ummm....yeah...there were so many things wrong with this that I had to actually number them in conversation:
"Look, number one CAPTAIN Wilson is no longer at Fort Lewis, Number two I'm his wife and you have MY cell phone number PLEASE make note of this on your contact list, don't call me again." Lucky for him it was 4am my time or I probably wouldn't have be so proficient with my words ;-)

Of course, I have no hope that the phonecalls will actually end ( this is not the first time this has happened...), somewhere, someone accidently put down my contact number as Brett's and thus began a long line of annoying calls from silly soldiers. *sigh* Yet another reason to get a new cell phone!

4. The weather continues to make me incredibly happy. All this sun! All this coolness of tempature! I'm loving it!!

5. I want some yoga pants that do not cost a fortune yet do not shrink the first time I wash them, making the leg too short and me look like I'm wearing too short pants. Any help with this?!

6. I realized this week that I don't think my body likes meat very much. I naturally gravitate towards vegitarian meals...I feel like I could be a vegitarian that eats a steak once a month and that would be great. Oh. And a vegitarian that doesnt eat carrots or celery....

7. I'm off to hang out with a chick I meet through the Navigators- and now we're PWOC friends...I can't remember the last time I had a lunch date so I'm excited!!

8. Tomorrow Brett is working and I'm going to an art fair in the park near my house. It would be more fun with him there :-(

I shop at Dillards now!

It turns out that when I'm bored and feeling fat ( as in not happy with how I look in any of my clothes) I like to go shopping in the middle of the day**....however, I will say that when you go shopping at 11:30am on a Wednesday you'll realize that you're spoiled. Because the only other people shopping at that time ( broad generalization here...) are Rich People Wives. Women that have money but obviously don't work....

And just so you know...I am NOT one of those women. I just don't work.
Luckily, the Manhattan mall is MUCH to be desired....there are lots of empty shops alternating with shops like Claires and Wet Seal and other teenage trash stores where I don't fit in their street-walker clothes. This is lucky because that means I don't spend as much money. I'm basically left with an under-stocked Gap and Dillards. *sigh*

** Oh, and I know it makes no sense to go shopping when you're feeling fat because then you have to look at yourself in the mirror and you have to get bigger sizes...but I bet you didn't get the memo about over-sized cardigans being in style this fall...well, they ARE and they cover up fat-rolls really well!!! Problem solved!


Annnyway, I forgot to tell you about PWOC ( or as Amy would have me to say: "Pee-Wok" ) yesterday! It was one of those totally intense planned-by-a-no-longer-teaching-elementary-education-teachers events.
You know the kind, themes rule the day: Everyone divided up in groups according to their nametags picture...placed with a "conductor" ( dressed up in cute matchy-matchy train conductor outfits complete with whistle) and then each "train" went around to different "locations" where we learned about each of the bible studies being offered this year ( I was actually told to "stand in a line against the wall at one point-something I havent been told to do, quite literally SINCE elementary school!) ....while ALL at the SAME TIME we also were given different ice-cream sunday toppings at each "train stop" and then at the end we were given the icecream so we could eat our "upside down sundays" while we signed up for the study we wanted to do.

Yeah. I may or may not have made fun of myself for being a part of such shenanigans throughout the whole two hours.


So, amongst all the "fun" and "food" I almost forgot I was at a bible study...but seriously, I did end up signing up for a video study done by Ray Vanderlaan on Israel and the Holy Land. I think its going to be a good choice for me since 1. I will only be here for part of the study, so better to not get involved in a more intense study. 2. I really like Ray Vanderlaan. Brett and I have listened to quite a few of his teachings and I really respect him as a teacher. 3. This group will also be used for the "intro group" for any women who might come to PWOC in the middle of the year, so I'll be able be part of a non-offical welcoming committee! Which I'm totally down with!

seeing red.

Not what you think! Brett and I just finished watching The Red Violin. I'd seen it years ago, but thought it needed a re-watching, especially since Brett had never seen it before. Totally great story, beautiful music...watch out for the nudity though. ;-)

Annnnyway, I suppose I should start giving my reviews with some sort of a warning attached after that last comment about Twilight... obviously some people are not going to agree with my opinions on books and movies hehehe...although, I can't say I was surprised that it was this particular book that brought out the outrage...it seems that those who love the books REALLY love them and those who don't ( me, anyway) have pretty strong feelings about it too! Leila, I do appreciate your comment nonetheless and I'm happy to hear that, at least of what you have read of my blog so far, that was the worst...nice to know what my lowest low looks like to at least one of my readers ;-)
Oh, and I probably will go see Twilight when it hits the movies...afterall, by then Brett will be off fighting a war...I might as well fill my time with things like bad teen dramas, what else will I have to do?!? hehehe.

On that note...

So, to continue the theme of the last few posts...bemoaning my lack of competence in the way of my blog...I REALLY wish I could re-work this blog so I could have a little section over on the side where all of you could easily see all the movies and books I've been reviewing for your general knowledge over the past few weeks, I KNOW all of you would love it! But, too bad...I don't know how...

Hey! Paul, ( do you still read this blog)since you're all unemployed right now-what's your hourly rate to give me a new blog?! Seriously! I just thought of this....I'll give you a wish list of how I want it to look, you'll make it happen, I'll pay you the big bucks...whadda ya say?!?

*ahem* I should have probably emailed him, since he hasn't seemed to be around my blog in a while and the rest of you probably didn't need to read that shameless plea...but where were we?!

Oh yes! Reviewing!!!

Ok, so to recap...in book news:
I hated Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.
I also hated ( just a little less) New Moon by Stephanie Meyer. The characters are annoying. The plot is mostly girl going on and ON about how much she loves a certain vampire. The action is minimal and the stories are terribly guessable. Big fat ZERO in Abigail's book.

In Book news:
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a day: I watched this when Brett wasn't able to come home at all on Friday night. Its the perfect, feel good girl movie. It was adorable and light-hearted. Amy Adams continues to be so charming...but was very similar to the character she played in Enchanted, so there's that. Anyway,if you're looking for a good "girls night in" movie this one is perfect!

Forbidden Kingdom: Ummm...Ok, so obviously this movie was picked not for my benefit but for Brett's- who's been dying to see it for ages. Anyway, you should probably ask him for his review since it is entirely different from mine ( I know this because we discussed it in full...)...but this is my blog so let me just say that *I* knitted the whole time and was entirely "whelmed" by the experience. ( not over or under). Basically the plot ( for me, anyway) was entirely too close to The Karate Kid, and while the Kung Fu was very good ( both Jackie Chan AND Jet Li?! It's bound to be!)....I felt like the plot could have been a bit better. Ah well! To each his own! So if you wanna see to Kung Fu legends go at it for a full-length feature, you should go get this movie. You will not be disappointed.


Eagle vs. Shark:
This movie is what I call a "celebration of awkward"...if you are not down with socially weird you probably won't like this movie, but if you like off-beat comedy than this movies if for you. Of course, being a person who DOES like such movies,I will say I wasn't totally into how mean the main character Jarrod was to those around him....I never felt like it was justified enough....but maybe that's just me.


OK! That's it for today...

No Prob Bob.

Of course, it must be noted after my last post that it is NOT Katie's fault that I stink at all things internet. One day I will catch up with all those crazy kids who can text and drive at the same time and all that jazz, but till then everyone will just have to love me for my faults, k? ok.

Annnnyway, it is a pretty much beautiful day in Kansas. Bet you didn't think that sentence would ever come out of my mouth!?! hahaha! But, it IS! And its mostly because I love fall weather. As long as its sunny fall weather and its in the high 60s.

I'm currently procrastinating going on my run. Even though its beautiful outside I'm also a very lazy person.

This morning I went to Hastings ( yes, Kansas has them too...and its just as terrible here.) and read the second Twilight book ( good guessing, Josh). And I'm going to use common sense and stop while I'm ahead and NOT read the third and fourth book in the series. Here's one of the obvious reasons why Abigail would hate these books:
The author references Romeo and Juliet as a parallel of Edward and Bella's love ( the main characters) throughout the books. Um yeah. Who hates Romeo and Juliet's story?! That's right! I do!!
There is nothing worse then melodramatic teen love that ruins lives in their own self-indulgent fashion.

Anyway, apparently I'm more of an adult than I thought-since I can no longer love the things that teenage girls love.

Of course, I'm not too much of an adult, since last night Brett and I bought Eagle vs. Shark for ONE DOLLAR at the supermarket! YESSSS! We couldn't even find this movie ( its a NZ movie, granted..but still!) at Blockbuster, and here it was for uno dollar next to the deli section in the grocery store! It was a dream come true! Anyway, the movie was weird, but it was also funny...and it has the guy from The Flight of the Conchords in it so that was a bonus...plus it was in NZ and therefore made me all nostalgic for my second homeland :-(

I just re-read the above paragraph and realized I gave you no real reason to think I wasn't an adult. Adults buy DVDs too.

*sigh*
In other news, Brett and I had a good weekend together. Lots of good conversation. Lots of eating. Lots of lounging around. You know all the good stuff. I cannot tell you how delightful this time in Kansas has been for Brett and I- I mean, yes, I'm left by myself for most of the day doing next to nothing, but its a small price to pay to have time alone with Brett before he leaves...
We have also been informed that he could get up to two weeks ( don't hold your breath) of time off before he deploys. So, of course, as I say that I'm trying HARD not to get my hopes up. It would be nice though, since I'm thinking I'll need to drive the Prius back to Washington BEFORE I go to China instead of after because of all the snow and winter-y driving that I'd have to do if I waited until later to do it....so maybe just maybe Brett could drive with me....one last road trip before he goes?!?
Is that too much to ask?!

Probably.

Silly Abigail. You'd think by now I'd learn not to make plans.

Annoying: technology

So, after getting a comment that someone couldn't be a "follower" of my blog I went on a search of what in the world that even meant, and low and behold it turns out Blogger has been making all these changes behind my back. I've been going happily about my blogging day and they've just been "adding exciting new advancements" like crazy...so after doing some reading it turns out my template was not "up to date" and for me to add things like "Follower" buttons, than I'd have to change my template. But, no worries ( ha!), according to Blogger they were going to make changing my template "super easy"...so off I went, discarding my old template, getting one of their horribly generic templates, and THEN I set about trying to make their lame-o template into something that reflects me. Weeeelllllll, turns out, unlike the OLD templates, these NEW ones are a LOT harder for Abigail ( self-taught html reader that I am) to read! BOO!

So, that's why my blog looked terrible... with its two-color, color sceme and the weird line that ran through the middle of the title without any way of me getting rid of it...whatever.
In other news, after ALL THAT...it turns out that if a person WANTED to add me to their "follower" page, than all they had to do is type in the HTML on their ADD section and there it would be. No button necessary. Ahhhhh! Well, serves me right for jumping in head first.
BLAH.
So, I went back to my 'classic template'. I am apparently not cool enough to have an exciting-up-to-date blog.

I hate change. I also hate the new facebook too. What was wrong with the old one?!?

words

Let me hear your loingkindness in the morning
For I trust in you
Teach e the way in which I should way,
For to you I lift up my soul...
Teach me to do Your will
For you are my God
Let Your good spirit lead me on level ground~ Ps 143:7,9

I read that in my quiet time this morning and it spoke perfectly to the theme of the day. It seems that all my plans for the future ( "Future" these days is limited to that horrible time I like to call A.B. ( after Brett leaves), has crammed itself nicely into November/December. This is actually not as nice as it sounds because I tend to want to go to ALL the parties life has to offer and then I'm generally shocked and upset when it doesn't work out that way. It looks like it is now highly probable that Brett will not be leaving until the middle of November, and I've been asked/offered to teach six weeks of High School AP English starting after Thanksgiving plus I am planning on going to China ( this plan has been around the longest and I'm most attached to it...) pretty much as soon as Brett leaves...BUT....if you check out a calendar of November you'll notice there are literally not enough days to do all those things together, plus the added bonus that Brett's schedule is still never set in stone and all this worrying could be for naught since it could all go out the window in a second...which leads me to my point. I am SO SO thankful that I have a God who directs my steps! I mean check out the verse that's been at the top of my blog for years ( if you're reading this on Facebook, the verse is Prov 16:9..you should look it up if you don't already know it...its wonderful!)! That is exactly what I'm talking about! How many stomach ulcers would I have if I didn't believe in the Son of God who cares for me?!?

Truth be told, I know God has plans for me. He knows exactly what is important for me to do, what is not. He knows the people He would have me to meet, the people He would have for me to love. He knows all about today, all about tomorrow. Rest in Him.

Ok! While I'm waiting for Life to tell me what's going on, I currently have very little on my plate-this is something which has turned out to be quite enjoyable ( at least most of the time!) especially since Brett is still getting off work around 4:30pm and I get to talk to him all I want all evening! Anyway, I made a little request on my facebook status yesterday and I got several responses already...so I thought I'd throw it out to the blog-readers too...Book recommendations:
As you may know I like pretty much ALL genres of books...I like fiction, I like nonfiction ( especially if it paints a good picture of something I don't know much about.) I like spiritual books, I like fluffy fiction....so if there is something you think I should read or at least know about...add it to my ever growing list! This is such fun! I already have four new books I need to read just since I put up my plea yesterday afternoon :-)

I don't visit blogs anymore...

So, today I realized that since the advent of www.bloglines.com, I very very rarely actually "visit" my friends blogs anymore. In fact, unless it doesnt load properly on bloglines..or unless they say something like, "like my new layout?" I dont venture out beyond the handy-dandy little list of blogs that I already read.
But, then I realized that this means some of my best stalking is being missed out on-that's right! This means I'm not checking out all my friends links...therefore, unless they mention it on their blog ( which they totally SHOULD!) I never know when other people I know start blogging! HORRIBLE!

I feel like I've been missing out on a party because my invite got lost in the mail!


Annnnnyway, on more relevant matters-today I went to my first PWOC bible study, had a long chat with the only person I knew there ( we'd met at the Navigator get-together on Saturday night...) and all in all I left feeling happy. ( this was helped by actual interaction with another human other than Brett, the fabulous food they had at this all-women's bible study, by the prospect of good bible study to come, and by the fabo fall weather we were having today.)
And just in case you didn't notice, I pretty much missed getting out of the house and DOING things.

In other news, I have come up with this silver lining about living in Kansas:
Silver Lining: Getting to spend time with Brett without the distractions ( good or bad) of other commitments to family/friends/work/bible studies/housework that we often had in Washington. I have been so very ( very, very) grateful that Brett's had so much free time since arriving here. Today he got off of work at 4pm....I hadn't even gone for my run yet!!!! This basically means I hadn't even run out of things to do before he got home! A miracle!

Ok, its review time! Tomorrow I'll be headed to the library, which I'm waaay excited about-I've got three books on my list and I'm excited about all three...the problem is going to be picking which one to read first.
Here are some clues:

1. This book is a much talked about teen book which is featured in more facebook flair than any other.

2. This book is about a certain "bowl" in our nations history. Its not a cereal bowl.

3. This book I can't think of any clues for except that its possible a text book in disguise.

Stay tuned for the answers...but feel free to leave your guesses in the comment box!

But, back to the topic at hand...since I have no book reviews at yet-its movie review time!
YAY! So for your reading ( and viewing) pleasure: two good reviews, two bad....


The Great Debaters: I totally dug this movie, I mean, suuuure Oprah told the whole country to watch this movie months ago-but I'm sorry, I had things to do up until now. And I gotta admit, ol' Oprah she was right about this one...The Great Debaters is a total must-see! I was simultaneously struck by the "little dog overcomes all odds to beat big dog" story and the realistic depiction of racial hatred in the South. I came away feeling more educated, and also wishing that American's still spoke with that much eloquence-black or white, we've ALL gone down hill I'm afraid.

Bella: I'm usually not down with political-statement movies...but if you'd like to see a Pro-life movie, by all means see this movie! Actually, if you'd just like to see a really touching ( warning: its slow!) movie that looks at the very delicate nature of the human spirit and is incredibly heartwarming that you'll feel like hugging a stranger. Watch this movie. Its really, really good. Oh, and I also craved tortillas after watching it. whatever that's worth.

I'm Not There: Two words: Big disappointment. Ok, now I may just be admitting to my lack of musical appreciation or something, but HONESTLY! This movie was wack! I had NO idea what was going on most of the time...and I'm sure there was some deep artistic message that all the TRUE music-lovers and indy-movie people were totally digging...but I lost interest after I made note of the fact that Cate Blanchet looked freakishly like a man, so much so that I pretty much forgot it was her on screen. She deserved serious props for this roll-she put all the guys to shame. So I say, fast forward.. stopping only to take in the eyecandy of Christian Bale, Heath Ledger ( NOT Richard Gere, EW!) and Cate Blanchet and then hit eject and go watch Hanna Montana-it'll be more entertaining.

Bottle Rocket: Neither Brett or I had seen this movie. Now we know why. I was very much underwhelmed by this highly acclaimed cult classic. I spent most of the movie pondering how young those Wilson brothers looked ( not related to Brett or his brothers)...and that it was strange that they were cast as friends in the movie and yet noticeably had a strong family resemblance. I would have rather watched "What Happens in Vegas" ( which I watched tonight, and totally laughed a lot...this just proves my point about "America going down hill sense the time of The Great Debaters")

What's in a name?

Well kids, its official! After 1 year, 1 month and 26 days I actually went and had my name officially changed at the Social Security Office. It turned out great, actually, because the office is quite literally three blocks from where I'm living....and also if I hadn't done that today then the only thing on my list of accomplishments would have been "marathon Gossip Girl watcher", which is, well, not really something you wanna brag about.
In other news, I think I've found a solution to Brett and my problem of eating out all the time because I don't want to get in the way of my housemate by using her kitchen. Solution: make her dinner too.

This makes me extra happy because we all know how much I enjoy feeding other people.
So tomorrow I'm going on post to the PWOC ( "protestant women of the chapel", thats right, I dont know WHO came up with that name...but I make fun of it EVERY time I hear it!) Bible study which I'm excited about because its actually something that's during the day and also a social/learning/productive event! YAY! Anyway, when I go on post I'll also visit the commisary which I have yet to grace with my presence....more tomorrow. :-)

Must be the weather...

I woke up at 4am this morning and could NOT go back to sleep. Awful. Absolutely awful. Especially since I count on sleep taking up a good portion of my mornings, leaving me only half a day to fill up with "activities". Boo.

Anyway, I have sad news for my readers who were waiting with baited breath for my report on the WoW girls (I still laugh at that name! hahaha!)....I asked Brett last night what his schedule for today was and it looks like he's going to be off around 5. This is good news for me because it means I get to spend the evening with him, which I did not get to do last night...( more on that later*) but bad news for juicy details on my "lady function". Of course, its always possible that Brett will work late and I'll end up going....but the prognosis does not look good.
Sometimes, I get distracted by my boring days and my desire to make friends...but then I'm reminded of my REAL reason for being here in Kansas. Spending time with Brett. Period.

However, last night* Brett got home and he was a total zombie. This was not really a surprise to me, since I've been calculating how much sleep he's been getting ( this is something I do every morning with both Brett and I's night sleep..I'm pretty much obsessed with how much sleep everyone gets:
example: Monday: Brett got 4 hours of sleep, I got 12, Tuesday Brett got 5 hours and I got 11...and so on..

anyway, I've been waiting for his obvious sleep deprivation to kick in and it did last night. Of course, this did not stop me from being a bit sad that me seeing my husband pretty much meant me watching him snooze. So, I went up stairs and talked with my housemate and we ended up going to the gym together and then talking for about three hours. This was an incredible answer to prayer for me since I've been really hoping that I would have the opportunity to get to know her better. Anyway, we talked about all sorts of army, marriage, faith related things...needless to say I'm totally excited about this development!

In other news I delivered meals on wheels in the rain today which turned out to be not as bad as one would expect. Even though I prepared for it all by going and getting a latte to give me some energy ( only got four hours sleep, remember.. That's like a Brett's night sleep here!) and I opened up the sugar packet on one end, opened the lid on my latte and then proceeded to forget about that first 'opening of the sugar' incident, flipped the packet over, opening it on the other, pouring the whole thing onto my lap. Yup. And this is why I need lots of sleep!! Seriously! Not good! *sigh* But, I recovered from the sugar spillage and drove around in the rain delivering meals to cute people. Seriously. Cute.
In fact, the first guy was so adorable that I got back in my car and declared out loud, "SO GREAT!" and then proceeded to shed a tear. Made me miss my PawPaw and going to the Senior Center with him!

Chillaxed

So today was my first day of Meals on Wheels. It took me about an hour to deliver all twelve of the meals on my route. I only turned around twice ( hehe!) and never got seriously lost....and it was fun! I absolutely loved saying hi to the people on my route. Talking about the weather mostly....but all it all, it was really a good experience, and I hope tomorrow is just as good! In general people are always happy to see food coming so you're pretty much in their good graces from the beginning!
So far, my favorite thing about the experience was the little tiny man who helped me load and unload the two coolers into the back of my car. I was by far bigger and stronger than he was but he insisted on helping me! A true gentlemen for sure! And he totally made my whole day :-)

Yesterday, I had a minor mishap with my attitude. Brett called me while I was out running my one errand for the day ( I know! this is my life!) to say that he got off early and will be home as soon as he cleans up. Imagine my excitement! It was like a half day from heaven! But then the clouds rolled in, when thirty minutes later he called to say that he'd decided to stick around and do some homework with some of the guys....long story short he arrived at 5:30. Now, here's the deal: I already know this about myself....so we're basically just re-telling the same story, but basically, I'm not good when I get my hopes up and then they're dashed. So far, here in Kansas, I've had incredibly loooow expectations so that I'm always very happy to see Brett when I do. But, I really need to learn how to be happy AND flexible all at the same time. Because, these things are going to happen. Brett is going to change plans on me ...and the Army most definitely will...so I must learn to adjust. And I must adjust with a GOOD attitude. Its hard.

Oh, and it didnt help that all I'd had to eat all day was a bowl of cereal and a bagel. Low blood sugar never helped anything. Ever.

In other news, we went to the Navigator Bible study on post last night. It's very small-but it was good to get some fellowship. Speaking of which, I'm going to *duh-duh-duh* WOW ( wives of warriors...hahaha! that's right! you heard me!) tomorrow night. This, of course, scares me to no end. Large groups of women when I know no one is pretty much the scarest thing ever. But, I'm all about growth these days. And besides its suppose to be a "spa night" so one can't pass that up.

Kold in Kansas

I guess the ol' hurricane brought a little cold front through Kansas last night...I felt it blowing in when I went for my run last night ( only my second one since getting to Kansas...what happened to my whole "dedicated to fitness" plan?! )...and it felt fabulous! Its about 62 degrees right now and it looks like it might rain. Thus is my life. Talking about the weather.

BUT! I actually have other things to tell you about! That's right! Yesterday, I finally got my butt down to the Senior Center and I am now officially a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer. There was a quick moment when they thought i was there for community service...hahaha! Sadly, it seems people my age only 'volunteer' when they've gotten in trouble with the law :-( But, once that was sorted out I talked to the lady that runs meals on wheels for about an hour...they only needed help on Thursdays and Fridays-which means my week is still ridiculously empty. I'm currently praying about whether I need to find some other volunteer work, or exactly what I should be focusing my time on. I think whatever happens I need to be doing things intentionally...so even if I end up just writing numerous blogs a day...I feel like I should at least look for direction before doing that, right? I just don't want to look back on this time in Kansas and be sorry that I didn't use the time here more wisely.

I have been thinking a lot about correspondence lately. Like I said in my last blog, I am now reading the letter's of Theodore Roosevelt to his children and I find it dreadfully fascinating. I am also saddened that there are not more letters out and about. I mean, sure we could all say that now letters have turned into emails-but when was the last time you got consistent detailed, anticdotal emails from a person? I think the only friend I have who has mastered this completely is Tabitha. In this day in age we've gotten our emails down to a few sentences that get straight to the point, or we send a text message or at the very most we leave a voice mail. Anyway, I was thinking about this...and I decided it was that people have stopped reading. I know that sounds really silly, but its TRUE! Letter's use to not just be about finding out information about your friends and family, but as you were writing them you KNEW that the person receiving that letter would be looking to that letter, not television, DVDs, or the internet, but YOUR letter for the evenings entertainment. I think it made everyone a little bit better at writing. I mean, if you thought of your friends and family as people that you should maybe entertain, or at the very least keep apprised of your life...well, I think it would change the way you corresponded with them.

Anyway, I know it would make me better as a writer. This week I've received several wonderful "newsy emails" as I call them...with each of these emails the distinguishing factors were that they told me details of their everyday life...the things that wouldn't necessarily make the six o'clock news...but believe me, those emails were far, far better than anything on TV right now!

Labor Day: Normal Day

So, someone had to remind me it was Labor Day today....this is because, as far as I can tell, its a normal day here in Kansas...Brett's working until very late ( may not get to see him at all) and I'm doing positively nothing. Yup. Rock on.

I dont know if you've noticed but I'm pretty much of the obsessive personality type. Thus why I own all ten seasons of Friends, why, after watching all of Firefly in a short amount of time, I had to then watch most of Buffy and Angel and all ofDr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog ( if you haven't seen this particular gem, you should...)-all the shows Joss Whedon has ever done...its why, as a child, I read every book by Lucy Maud Montgomery ( expect the ones that had witches in them, those were not allowed) .....every book by Maud Hart Lovelace, and all The Babysitters Club Books ( something I'm not proud to admit)...and countless other authors that I fell in love with.
Anyway, it seems only natural that in the past year I read several books on Burma, several books on Autism and I just finished yet another book by David McCullough who I feel in love with many years ago but I was reminded of a couple of days ago because of the John Adams series...

Ok, so I was delighted to find Mornings on Horseback at the local library ( I've decided to forgive and forget the Fort Riley library and go straight to the Manhattan public library which is not half bad ( only half is good, though).) because one of the books I brought from home was a book I read years ago and put on my Favorite Books List back in 2005, which really, in looking back is the favorite books of my childhood...but that's beside the point. Anyway, I brought with me, to re-read was Theodore Roosevelt's Letters to His Children. So I figured this book-but a wonderful writer-would be just the perfect precursor. And it turned out great! In fact, I am more excited than ever to re-read these letters to his children after reading in such detail about his relationship with his own father and the important part it played in making him the man he became to his own children....anyway, all very good. And I recommend with two enthusiastic thumbs up, Mornings on Horseback...you won't be able to put it down. Promise.

In other news, I'm a tad melancholy today, but if anything I'm glad that its finally September. I'm a big fan of time going by quickly at the moment....