December, Already?!

I cannot believe it is December 2nd and it was 80 degrees out!!! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE it, but just not use to it yet. We had a good week! Just got the rest of our new couch today! Friday we went and had some awesome sushi! Yesterday was the first day that I felt accepted here. Accepted in the sense of: had a girls day with our friend Becky. We went shopping and had lunch. During that time I got a text from a neighbor to hang out and when I saw my older neighbor she ran up and gave me a hug because she hadn't seen me in a few days. It was just very warming and I felt wanted by other people here other than Nate which felt awesome. I also had a great hair day! (haha) After a day of shopping and cuddling with the hubster we went to Manny and Becky's house for a game night and some cocktails. I forgot how much fun Pictionary is!!!!! Today was a day of football and we (the Packers) KICKED the Vikings butt! They restaurant we were watching it at definitely felt the need to make us feel like we were up north and cranked the air conditioning... We apparently are all now warm blooded and adjusted to the beautiful weather because we were FREEZING!

Isn't he so handsome with his new glasses!!!!!! Happy Sunday all!

Differences

I cannot believe that I have forgotten to update my Mississippi vs Midwest differences, so here we go!: - It is definitely a coke state. And I mean the most common things you'll see offered at a restaurant are: coke, diet coke, coke zero, and sprite. - Not many local restaurants offer alcohol. - There are no mixed alcohol stores. And I mean you can only buy wine and hard liquor in one store and beer in another. - They line dance to EVERY song. For example, we have the electric slide, etc. Here, they do dances like that to EVERY song (and different dances). - Still getting use to everyone calling you "ma'am, honey, baby, and sweetie" and it not being a come on. - People love to talk. - Milk is still expensive. - Everyone eats out..I mean any night throughout the week, you look at the restaurants and they are all busy. - Everyone seems to know someone in Minnesota or visited at some point in their lives (during the winter and will never return). THEY DON'T SHOW THE PACKER GAMES.... except tonight because we're the only 7:20 game woot!

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for. We are healthy, happy, together, a roof over our heads, and food in our bellies. We have a happy, healthy puppy (who is finally loosing his teeth [all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!!!])Nate had a nice long weekend which was so nice! We were able to have some nice quality time together.

On Monday, Nate and I started going Gluten Free. We absolutely LOVE it! Nate's headaches have gone away (and his need for caffeine and calmed), I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day (as does Nate). Nate is down 8lbs and I am down 4.5lbs so far. The bread is the first bread I have ever made (ever!) it is Gluten Free and I am quite pleased with not only how beautiful it is but how delicious it was. I primarily made it because I insisted on having stuffing for Thanksgiving and did not want to cave and eat regular stuffing. Speaking of Thanksgiving dinner--we had a lovely Thanksgiving lunch at someone's house. It was very nice, but I have to say that I was bummed (and homesick) that we only had ham (which I am not a fan of, but ate with a smile). Therefore, I said I was going to make a post Thanksgiving feast. On Friday, we had some friends over and I cooked a Gluten Free Thanksgiving meal. This included: a turkey (my very first one!), homemade bread turned into stuffing (first time making!), sweet potato casserole (first time making!), gravy (first time), mashed potatoes (not my first), and a pumpkin cheesecake (first cheesecake!). I was so happy with the results!!!!!!

We've been taking Thor to a dog park about 10 miles away. It is huge! It's separated into two different areas--one for smaller dogs and one for bigger. They have obstacles in there and it is generally pretty busy. We usually start him out in the small dog pen (if there are a few bigger dogs in the other pen) so they can sniff each other out between the fence. Well on Wednesday we took Thor there for about two hours.. they have people bring in dogs from the shelter to run around (which is awesome). But I am talking like 10 big dogs to two people.. well the people were not watching every move of every dog (which is so dangerous with that many dogs). And one dog almost saw its last day as far as Nate was concerned. She was picking on Thor and being very mean--trying to bite the back of his neck and his back legs. Was not playing at all. We finally got Thor out of there when his buddy, Shelby (who is a big ten month old lab mix who I walk every day) showed up and the mean dog finally left. So we decided to stay so Thor could play with his friend. Well Shelby is fast, and I mean fast as well as full grown. There was another dog who was helping the mut pick on Thor who remained and every time that dog approached Thor, Shelby ran (even from across the park) and immediately put herself between Thor and the other dog. It was so nice to see..especially since Thor is incredible submissive. We went back today and agreed we'd only stay if there were less than 10 dogs there. And ironically right when we got there, the mean mut was leaving. Thor got to interact with other puppies and his big friend, Wally. After a bath, Thor is now sleeping most of the afternoon away. We also bought a crate and have been working on crate training him. He knows "kennel" but we don't leave him in there yet. Progress.

I would just like to say how much these two pictures made my day. Emily and Michaela got together this weekend, and made sure I wasn't left out. It definitely had me smiling ear to ear. I miss you ladies and words cannot express how happy and special you guys made me feel. Thank you. Well we finally get the Packer game (seriously, finally..haven't been able to watch one all month!). So I am going to go do that. GO PACK GO!

Babies

My poor furbaby is teething. After five ice cubes and a long walk he is now snoring in my lap. Nate and I were just introduced to "The Voice" and I found out we get all the shows on our new cable... so yes, I am sitting here cuddling and watching previous episodes..addicting! Luckily, I have cleaned the whole house, finished laundry, and did dishes so I have been productive. I know some are anxious for pictures--but I am still waiting for our pay check so I can order prints to hang up... that and we need to organize the 2nd bedroom. I am pretty excited--someone who is moving at the end of the month is offering us their awesome L shaped couch--so if the price is right (and after I look at it) we may have a new couch!!!!! We have the perfect area for it too! So we will see. Happy Hump Day everyone!!!

Wedding Spam

They are currently sinching me into my dress!

How beautiful are they?!

Our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs!!!

Love.

This cutie thought he was a ring BEAR! RAWR!

How cute is he all jazzed up?! Well, I am drifting off..but I will spam some more later (so many to choose from!!!!)

77 Degrees

Yes, that's right. Today it was 77 degrees out--and yes, I was in shorts and a t shirt ALL day! I am loving it. What is truly fascinating (to me anyway) is that at night it can get down to the 30s but once the sun is up, it's just gorgeous! We had a wonderful first weekend here in our new home. Nate has a three day weekend so it's not even over yet! Friday we went on a double date for dinner at this restaurant a few miles away from us called 'The Warf'. I immediately thought of WSU when I saw the name. But it was in a strip mall and very down to earth. Ok..ok... to be completely honest we were kinda nervous when we walked in at 7:30pm on a Friday night and there was only one other couple there. I chose the shrimp salad and Nate had the alligator poy boy--both were fabulous. The couple we went out with are in Nate's unit who he had been at McCoy with. I didn't know them real well--but it was a lot of fun and definitely nice to connect with some people down here. On Saturday, we took Thor to the vet for his last round of puppy shots. He is a healthy 27.8lbs now! I wasn't completely impressed with the staff..but I am also spoiled by our vet in Minnesota. I am not sure if I had said anything..but Thor has a bff in the building next to us. His name is Rio, and he is just a few weeks older than Thor and a lab mix. They are about the same size right now--so it's been fun seeing them together every day and see who grew over night etc. Rio and his mommy live in the building next to us and every time we're outside Thor has to make sure (and I mean make sure) that Rio really isn't out at that time before he will come inside; it's hysterical. Rio actually came over for two play dates today and Thor shared his toys nicely. It's been great getting to know Heather too--progressively starting to get to know each other. Oh look at that, I skipped into Sunday. Ok, well to finish Saturday... we met up with the couple from Friday and another buddy and went to a bar/restaurant right by the college for dinner. Ended up meeting some locals who were heading to this bar called "La Rouge" which was just a few blocks away who had some local band playing. We couldn't pass that up, so we went and enjoyed some music and met a few more locals which was nice. I have to say that I am real appreciative of my ability to assimilate wherever I am and whomever I am with. I do not mean change who I am or what I believe, etc., but to be able to talk to all different kinds of people and not just stick out like some awkward sore thumb. Ok, so yes I can be awkward but I also can blend in when I want to. Today was a home day. Went grocery shopping and then started to hang up some wall decor (finally). We aren't done as I need to print out new photos etc.. but it's definitely starting to come along! We also purchased this adorable coat rack today--yes, I said it--adorable coat rack (aging myself much??). I hope tomorrow is another beautiful day, I hope to check out this huge trail nearby and finish decorating a bit more. In all honesty, I cannot wait to get paid..well for obvious reasons, since we didn't get the 'advance pay' we were 'guaranteed' last week--but so I can get my craft on! So many ideas!!!! Happy Sunday everyone!

This was the wristbands we had to wear last night. Hysterical. Oh yes, and there was an old lady there last night who had on a fleece cape that had a bunch of wolves on it..and all I could think about was..wow, you don't even see that in Minnesota!

Take A Moment

Take a moment, even if it is just a second to think about not only those who have lost their lives to keep you safe, but those who are currently serving and have served (and those who will serve.

This is a picture I took at Nate's basic graduation. My gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women, not only in my life but every single one of them, is so great. So thank you Veterans.

I took this picture when Nate returned from work on Friday. How precious!

Rolling

What a roller coaster of a day! Beautiful weather. I quite enjoy seeing butterflies flying around in November. House is cleaned and starting to decide how I'd like to decorate. Thor had a fun play date for over an hour! Laundry done. Didn't get paid like we were suppose to today--I am furious. AT&T isn't allowing me to use a $200 device I purchased on Wednesday, so I am able to have service in my apartment.... currently working on this right now (thanks to mom and Bob's help!)

America

I don't want to get all political on here but all I am going to say is... Remember who we are America, what we stand for.

Mississp-ay-yay!

As we finally got our internet hooked up; I decided I would start keeping track of the differences I am finding down here. But to start: we have an absolutely awesome apartment! Our master bathroom is as big as our master bedroom (I cannot wait to take a bath--huge tub!). Thor is absolutely loving it too and is adjusting incredibly well! He already has a puppy bff--Rio, who is just a few weeks older than him. Thor enjoys sitting by the window and letting me know when he is outside. We have unpacked for the most part now--just waiting to put up some decor and start my craft making to make this place homey! To start my list: - Milk is $5 a gallon here.. no longer in the midwest! - You absolutely cannot take your eyes off the road ever--the drivers are crazy but easy to deal with. - The people are very nice; I have to admit I love being called "hunny, ma'am, and baby" (by the women down here). - I feel incredibly fit down here (I should probably still go to the gym though..) - People make fun of northerners accents as much as we make fun of southern accents-- we all go around on our 'boot'. - Had the most amazing BBQ of my life. I cannot wait to go back--it's called Leetha's BBQ. It's an old barn and nothing special when it comes to decor-- in fact all of the money is put into the food. It is truly down home cooking--you can even see the crock pots with the sides simmering and waiting to be eaten. - I am happy to report that the Target is as nice as they are up north--don't have to resort to Walmart--even though we've made too many trips over there already. - Began members of Sams Club--but they don't accept Visa..really? - Had my first Waffle House experience--I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. - I do not appreciate fast food calorie counts--if I go to fast food I would like to enjoy it...I don't go often. - Thor starts puppy classes on the 15th--I am really excited! - I am thoroughly enjoying the weather--this weekend is suppose to be in the 70's and sunny--I hope we can get some fun adventures in together (if Nate doesn't work). Apparently there is a National Park around here that is just ginormous; I cannot wait to explore it! I want to thank all of our family and friends for all of your love and support. None of this would be going as smoothly as it is without all of you. Please keep checking up on our blog and I will try and keep it as updated as possible. I am also hoping to flood some pictures of our adventures and of our new home here soon!

Three Months

Three months ago Nate and I made our adventure official! I just watched the rough draft of our wedding and I was laughing, smiling, crying, and overall just feeling joyful. It has been nice being back in the cities and I feel that I am super busy all the time. I have hardly just sat down and relaxed... don't get me wrong, it's really nice.. but it's also quite tiring! My sister in law got married yesterday. We had some rain, but it held off for the outdoor ceremony. It was a very sweet and intimate ceremony followed by a fun and loving reception. People kept asking me if I wanted to change anything about our wedding, and every time my answer was "No". I loved every moment. Plus the thing that matters the most to me was that my favorite people were there while I married my best friend... what is more important than that? The one thing I would change about yesterday's wedding was that I wore more comfortable shoes.. due to the heat my feet started to swell on already slightly too tight heals... oh man did that hurt--almost took them off mid ceremony but decided that would be slightly inappropriate. (I was a bridesmaid). Hopefully this week I will be able to: go to the MN State Fair, fishing, pack for my trip!

Tis The Day

Today is my last day helping out at my new job. I cannot wait to be back in Rosemount and sleep in my own bed! I had quite the week! Nate has come down with something, I have contemplated wearing a hazmat suite to avoid catching what he has--but I'm being a realist and it's inevitable that I will get it anyway. Tuesday night my coworkers had a dinner for my departure. It was very sweet. Ironically though it was my old staff. I realized how hard it has been being a young boss of many people my own age; however, I feel quite accomplished to see that I truly can separate work from personal and also carry the respect while at work even if we may be friends. It was a tough one to ignite but *pats self on back* I did it. I redid/updated my resume and received my recommendation letters from my director and the executive director. I almost cried. It's so hard to remind yourself on rough days that all your hard work will pay off... reading my resume and these letters I can't help but smile and say "damn girl you did it". Ok, I suppose I can be done bragging for now. But overall, working your butt off 24/7 really does pay off in the long run. Last night, Michaela and I had a last "roomie" adventure which consisted of walking to the BWW patio and enjoyed a few cocktails while soaking in the beautiful August evening. We had a chance to reflect over our lives and just have some good deep conversation. Then afterwards we had Popsicle and watched "The Muppets"/fell asleep during our 'sleepover' on the couches. So now my car is packed and ready to go. My work is complete. Just need to finish a few loose ends. Wow, what an ending to such a hard chapter in my life; I honestly would not have changed my experiences for anything.

Watered Down Kool-Aid

I had a fabulous three day weekend! Thursday night: My parents came to town and we went out to this fabulous restaurant. I ordered crab stuffed shrimp which were wrapped in bacon and topped with a jalapeno cream sauce...yummmmmmy! We then watched some of the Packer Game and me and my mom went to the new Meriyl Strep and Tommy Lee Jones movie. Mom loved it..it was ok. I love both Strep and Jones but the movie just wasn't something I'd watch again. Friday: Got up early and met up with my parents. We bought some fun gifts for my nieces and then had a beautiful walk by the Missippi. After lunch they left to go see my brother and his family. I then got ready for Relay for Life in Winona. I was a part of a team with two cancer survivors one of whom I am friends with. It was a lot of fun! Around 3am we ended up leaving. We all walked a total of 17 miles around what we called the nascar loop. Saturday: After just a few hours of sleep we all got up and enjoyed the gorgeous day by watching a Cystic Fibrosis softball tournament our friend was in. The day couldn't have been more beautiful. We then headed to cook out and just spent the nice outside which turned into a bonfire. I had a pineapple brat for the first time and have to admit I was skeptical trying it because I don't like cooked pineapple but oh my goodness I don't know if I want a regular brat after that ever again. Around midnight my wonderful husband came and picked me up!! It was so great to see him, gosh I missed him so much! Sunday: We relaxed most of the day watching this new HBO series called "Newsroom" it was interesting! Then we went back to LaCrosse and had a lovely dinner with my parents on their way back to Milwaukee. It was fabulous. Then Nate got us a hotel room! WITH A JACUZZI! Man that was nice!!! It was nice to have some alone time too. Looks like it'll be another week until we get us time again seeing as I go back to the cities on Thursday and he leaves Friday-late Sunday for yet another training. I am excited for our week together next week. Today in between work projects I've been updating my resume; I have to admit I can't help but pat myself on the back and smile. I am proud with how much I have done and the experience I have gained. It's a God send that I have been this fortunate. Well back to my watered down Kool-Aid, carrot sticks, and work.

Underpants Go On The Inside

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahlWufJqcSQ This video was my daily dose of "let's think about this for a moment". I am not saying this video does or doesn't affiliate with my viewpoints. I don't care to get political on here. But I think everyone should watch it. ok I apparently don't know how to post a video in my blog..help?

Hiatus

I decided to return from my blogging hiatus. To be perfectly honest, I somewhat forgot about this blog. I am going to try and make it into my weekly routine to possibly get creative, share photos, and just talk about my life in general. Quick recap of my existence: - May 26, 2012 was the best day of my life. I married the man who stole my heart! (I will post pictures in the near future). - We moved out of Winona to the Twin Cities for a few months while we clean up loose ends prior to being stationed in Mississippi for the next year. AKA, we moved in with my in laws. We are grateful for their generosity in sharing their house with us for a few months. - Nate has been off doing various Army trainings. - I have been back in Winona for the past month or so training new staff in and helping out wherever I can. Honestly, it felt so good to be back to work (didn't think I'd miss it as much as I did). I have one more week left before I head back up. To keep things simple, that best describes the past year for us. Last night has stirred our nest quite a bit... the Army decides that they want to mess with us (surprise surprise). I don't want to get too much into it in hopes to not jinx our luck. Hopefully within the next few weeks I can bring it up. I am so incredibly excited for tonight. My parents are coming to visit! They are spending the night in LaCrosse and we will have some much needed catch up; I haven't seen them since we left Milwaukee after the wedding. Also, they said they got a hotel room with a pull out. I am most likely going to jump on this opportunity seeing as I've been living on a couch the past month. Speaking of which, Michaela has been so generous in sharing her one bedroom apartment with me. I have been living out of her front closet and her living room is now my bedroom. It has been working out incredibly well and I couldn't be more thankful. Nate comes back from his training late Saturday night. Hopefully he will be making a trip down to see me on Sunday--I miss him so much! I've noticed that I need something to concentrate on during my free time, otherwise I get a little stir crazy. Therefore, I have been concentrating on puppies. I have my hopes up that we will be able to get one within the next few months. So me being me... I've been looking at all the shelters in the state of Minnesota. Naturally, I have fallen in love. But it's too soon for me to apply for her so I have to wait and pray that she waits (unless she finds another awesome home). More to come later.