Christmas Dinner success!

Everything went really well, the food was good and most importantly the guys all liked it (they even went back for thirds!). Once everyone was stuffed we played games like we were all kids and had a blast, this was by far the best Christmas we've had here!

Preparation

I have been preparing for our Christmas fest for the past week! I started making cookies, since they hold the longest. So far I've made multiple batches of sugar, peanut butter, snickerdoodle (thanks to Abby), chocolate chip and fudge as well as meatballs. Tonight when I get home, I'll make the meatball sauce, a cheeseball, pumpkin pie, apple pie and cheesecake; the ham will start thawing and I'll chop everything I possibly can.

I know this will sound wrong, but I can't wait for it to be over! AND I appreciate my family meals SO much more lol

Our Furbabies

These are for their 'Grandma'

Honey - the experienced model

Rowdy - the modest one (ie too quick for pictures)

Gella - the baby, excited about everything which means she rarely sits still for pictures.

Finally some Halloween happiness

I never thought I'd be one of 'those people' who dresses up their pets, but alas I am. Here is my adorable pup on Halloween night. Our pup is a monkey, her friend is a hotdog and the black doggie was a punk rocker.

Book reviews

I finally finished three books: A Child called It, The Lost Boy and A man named Dave by by Dave Pelzer. They were heart wrenching but also wonderful. The story of this mans life is shocking, I intend to purchase the books and write Dave a letter (not something I've ever done) but I feel so much for him after having read his stories, that I would like to do something. Anything. Here is his website, he's written six books total http://www.davepelzer.com/ I'm a sucker for a happy ending and I'm glad I stuck with it and read through all of the books. He's a fantastic, brave man and I would strongly suggest everyone read his book(s); his story will stay with you.

I'm a movie star

I would include the link to the actual interview, but I don't want you to all hear how I sound (it's quite embarassing hearing yourself) I apologize for all of the black spots, but I don't want too much info 'out there'.

We were doing a Fire Prevention Demonstration and we had loads of fun. It was great to watch the kids crawling out of the house and play around with the firefighters and the fire truck. I feel we got some great information to the community and they enjoyed themselves.

The 2008 Navy Ball

We sat through the slew of speechs from high ranking officials, some had wonderful things to say, some were funny but the one person I was most impressed with and feel the need to mention is a woman. She is a three star admiral, there is only 1 five star in the navy, so you have to figure she's worked pretty hard to get where she is. It was brought up that it's the Navy's 233rd birthday. I am slightly ashamed to say, I didn't realize the ball was for the Navy's birthday. That aside the ball was quite lovely, it was wonderful to see everyone all dressed up and even better to see my hubby in his uniform. Oh my goodness, he looks great!


Here are a few pictures:

*Little comment needed here, I'm not sure why I'm holding my dress up! I hate that I didn't get a second pic, but what can you do. I also missed having a picture taken of the back of the dress, there was a train, it was so fun to wear!

Abby brought up a good point, the food was delicious! Even Joe, who doesn't care for Italian food (in Italy) loved every course. So, so good!

A gown

Joe and I .. well much more me, have decided to go to the Navy Ball this year as it will be our last chance!

I found a great dress, that was quite a steal!

Enrichment, happy Monday

A few weeks ago, Joe suggested a retreat being offered by our base. Much to my surprise it was a Marriage Enrichment Retreat, I agreed but wondered. This past weekend we went and it was quite possibly the best thing we have ever done for each other and our marriage.

It was simply wonderful. Tons of focused us time, learning about each other, personality types and how to grow together. I really have nothing bad to say about this, other than I forgot my camera and the beds were quite hard, but very minor considering.

3

Three years ago today, Joe and I decided we would spend our lives together. I still love that man as foolishly now as I did then. Happy 3 years hun.

Scavenger

Joe and I enjoy going to the weekly antique market, although we don't always come home with something it's still fun to see what people are trying to sell. Even the old used shoes.

Last weekend we happened upon these lamps and I just love them. After scrubbing they are even lovelier.

Paid off, finally.

I've waited two years, two frustrating years for little seeds to bloom and today they finally did. This is the fruit of that labor, isn't it beautiful? It's a passion flower, or Passiflora.

If you notice there's another one about to open right next to it!

Oouch!

Today our pup had a surgery, she got put under anesthesia which scares me; but our new vet was wonderful. This woman sees so many animals on base and she manages to remember my pup's name,which made me smile. She actually took care of her personally. I'm so impressed with her especially since she understood how special my pup is to me.

I am happy to report she is home safe and sound with only one original piece is missing.

Don't answer even when asked.

When you joke around about your birthday being a month away and the thirteen year old who's helping you in the office turns to you and asks how old you are and they then guess way older than you are. Don't be offended.

Tag, I'm it!

1. My uncle once: gave me a sea shell.
2. Never in my life: would I have thought I'd be living overseas.
3. When I was five: I loved Barbie.
4. High school was: a few life lessons mixed in with immaturity.
5. I will never forget: falling in love with Joe. (my husband)
6. Once I met: someone I admired.
7. There’s this girl I know: who can't stop talking.
8. Once, at a bar: I played shuffle board with my grandmother. (VFW)
9. By noon, I’m usually: done with lunch and back to work.
10. Last night: I drank too much hard cider and enjoyed myself.
11. If only I had: an idea of what to do next.
12. Next time I go to church: I hope it's because I wanted to.
13. What worries me most: is feeling like a failure.
14. When I turn my head left I see: a beautiful painting of Naples Italy.
15. When I turn my head right I see: my pup and my fat cat (we are sitting on the couch)
16. You know I’m lying when: asked if I care, because I do.
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: being a carefree kid.
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: dead.
19. By this time next year: I will be residing in the United States. Where? not sure.
20. A better name for me would be: I always liked Brook, but not sure it fits ...
21. I have a hard time understanding: why people can't act like adults and stop gossiping (prob just the military community, but I doubt it)
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: finish that degree!
23. You know I like you if: I try to make conversation with you, instead of just letting you do all the talking.
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: Joe.
25. Take my advice, never: forget how important your family is.
26. My ideal breakfast is: my mom's Sunday morning breakfast.
27. A song I love but do not have is: anything related to Christmas, love it but don't have any.
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: Visit the small bakery near my high school, then antique shop down town
29. Why won’t people: stop abusing and abandoning animals.
30. If you spend a night at my house: I'll make you breakfast in the morning.
31. I’d stop my wedding for: my grandfather.
32. The world could do without: hate.
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: eating one?
34. My favorite blonde(s) is/are: my mom.
35. Paper clips are more useful than: a clothesline.
36. If I do anything well it’s: organize.
37. And by the way: I'm happy.
I tag Michelle, Emily and Holly.

Dog days of summer. . .

The fantastic days of summer oh boy they are passing us by quickly. It seems that winter lasted f.o.r.e.v.e.r. but the lazy, warm wonderful season is almost over.

I've realized I now cannot blog at work, considering I rarely turn on my computer at home anymore this cuts into my blogging time and ability drastically. So much has happened. Joe & I are coming up on a big anniversary; we are in such a good place right now that I'm really enjoying our marriage. I think it's taken this long to finally get in sync with each other and we are loving every second of it. Phew.

A neighbor and I started up a dog group in our community, we have quite a group going. Busiest night we had almost 20 dogs! It was wonderful. Gella (our pup) is slowly coming out of her shell, she has actually let other people pet her. I wonder if the pride I feel is what parents feel for kids, because I am proud. She's overcoming so much just by letting a kid stand next to her! *(quick back story, she was very badly abused before we adopted her, she has many quirks due to said abuse)*

I've been taking many photos lately, there is so much beauty here that I'm having a hard time focusing on which part to try and capture. It's fun just trying, thrilling when something turns to my liking.

The good ol days

Lately I've been rather nostalgic, I popped in a CD from a few years ago and it’s crazy to think it’s actually been a few years ago. Back then I worked for that company near the town that I grew up in, I worked with one of the band members. Said member had this girl crushing all over him, oh he was just so beautiful. Dark lovely hair, blue icy eyes and such a kind kind heart. They are a fantastic band and I love their music. They are available on ITunes now, band name Fielding. You should check them out, good for lazy nostalgic afternoons.

How many Euro can I spend on one piece of fruit?

Apparently alot! I actually squealed when I saw them and it hurt to buy them, but I made some guacamole. Not great, but damn if I didn't eat it all.

Bad wife

Apparently i'm a bad wife. At least according to 1930's standards and for that matter, I would hope I am.

I scored: 3 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Poor (Failure)

Here's the site, 1930's wife go have some fun! I'm off to judge Joe.

I could hug both of them

I made a purchase with a company in Hong Kong. Two days later my parents (old contact info) got a call, the card has been put on fraud alert. Which really is great, they are looking out for me, but now means I have to make a call sit on hold forever. ick.

So I called my company to tell them hey it was me & not fraud, [much to my surprise it was quick] the woman I spoke with was the nicest person ever. I mentioned I'm stationed overseas, so please delete the work number you have on file blah blah.. she got all appreciative and thanked me so much, to which I feel guilty about since it's Joe who's serving not me. She went beyond what she normally does and fixed all my problems with the account updated all my info. She was fantastic!

I have to say it's nice to hear it every so often (NO I'm not asking you to) people ARE still thankful, wow. Yay for one lovely lady with Bank of America, she absolutely made my day!

*On a very very funny side note, Joe came home to a present at our front door. Our cleaning lady remembered it was our Wedding Anniversary yesterday. Um, was it? Really? Because we both forgot! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HUN!!!!

Doors with character

Fat Cat

Traffic jam

I've been wanting to capture this, since we get stuck in them ALL. THE. TIME. finally I was able to ...



Sheep are everywhere, they are stinky and they stop traffic. Makes getting to work on time a bit challenging.

Taormina!

Joe & I decided to use our 3-day weekend getting away. We drove a bit to Tarormina, which is a beautiful beach city {my pictures are in my camera still at home}. It was quite possibly the most perfect weekend. We had no timeline in mind, just to enjoy ourselves and it was lovely. We strolled around town during the afternoon, did some tourist shopping, ate a delicious meal then went to our oh so relaxing hotel. It was on the beach, literally. We walked down to the beach, ordered some wine from this cute little man and just relaxed while listening to the sound of the crashing waves and breathing in the salty air. There is nothing more perfect than falling asleep to the sound of waves, ahh! We got up bright and early went swimming in the chilly Med, walked the beach got some sun and went to explore some more. I'm hoping to rent a villa with some friends shortly; another relaxing weekend is in order.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, whether it was a three-day or not!

A few other things ...

that I have discovered, other than my dislike for staying at work past my working hours (carpools aren't always great lol) would be that hubby very much enjoys making espresso and we all knew that I VERY much enjoy drinking them, especially in my cute espresso cups so that all works out really well. But the odd discovery is that our Sicilan pup also enjoys a fair share of espresso. I sat down only to have a cute pink nose in my face licking at my espresso. That's it. She's really Italian now!

Recently discovered ...

Two things about myself,

I love vintage cameras. Like love them alot! Similar to this:

And cute little owl figurines like this: (I'm currently lusting after this one at FruitFly's Shop on Etsy )

I find both of these very odd as I hate things that have no purpose and collect dust [hello clean freak] but both of these are fantastic and I want them. Badly.

*gasp* Does this mean I actually collect something?!? What the hell?

I think find it funny at how different they are, modern & vintage.

Stray Animals

While walking to grab my boring salad for lunch, I heard this awful cry for help. A kitten was stuck in a drain and wanted out desperately. The teeny screams pulled at my heart. I went back to my office called someone for help and now the fire department and the stray animal facility is out there rescueing this little animal. But now all I want to do is cuddle it and calm it and love it. I do not need another pet, espeicially since I'm already over my limit! AND I just got hubby over wanting a cat (I bribed him with golf clubs, whatever! it worked) but now I want to help this little guy. I'll see if I can get some pic's of him/her this week.

I am a big animal lover and strongly encourage the adoption of animals who need homes!

Phew, got that done with!

Just shy of two weeks from my accident and I did it. I finally drove. I was scared to death the entire time and guess what happened? This guy came off the interstate without even looking [thankfully I saw him] I kept hoping that he'd slow down and stop as one should, but no. I had to stop for him. Seriously. I got slightly flustered, but did fine. Hubby was really proud that I did exactly as I should, but was so worried I wouldn't be ok driving the rest of the way. I was and I did. Now I've driven myself into work two days in a row. Woo hoo!

She's working 9 to 5

Today I discussed taking over my office and being the big boss! This would be a huge responsibility but also a huge pay increase! Now I'm negotiating with National Headquarters. Woot woot for more money!

Finally, some pictures for your viewing pleasure

There are more, but I think you get the idea!

So soon?

Well hubby took care of things and got us a vehicle already. It's a little pick up, but it'll do.

Yay for transportation!!

Opps!

Today on my way into work, I went my usual route, not the main highway as it's just so dangerous. Well my alternate safer route proved not to be so safe. I wrecked our only car and injuried myself. Hell of a way to start out the week. I can walk, I actually walked away from the car but I'm beat up, swollen and bruised.

I'm really hopful that April will bring us better luck.

Warm & buttery

Lately I've been on this cooking/baking kick I'm not sure why, but I figure I'll just go with it hubby certainly isn't complaining! I've tried recipes from friends and some from people I don't know, but I'd like to mention something I made this morning. Katie has been inspiring me, I've made a few of the things she's posted, but these were easy (especially since I put everything in the food processor) and healthy. Here's the recipe:

Whole Grain Banana Strawberry Muffins

Ingredients:

1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour (I used all wheat)
1 c. oats
2/3 c. dark brown sugar, packed
1/8 c. wheat bran (I couldn't find this)
1/8 c. golden flax, finely ground
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large bananas, mashed (the browner the better)
1/8 c. honey
1 c. plain low fat yogurt (all I had was vanilla)
1 egg
1 c. finely chopped fresh strawberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare muffin tin.
In large bowl, combine dry ingredients making sure there are no large lumps in the brown sugar and set aside.
In medium bowl, mash bananas thoroughly and stir in honey, yogurt and egg.
Fold banana mixture into dry ingredients until combined well.
Fold strawberries into mixture.
Spoon mixture into muffin tin, evenly disbursing between all 12 cups.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out relatively clean.
Let muffins cool for 3-5 minutes and then remove from pan to cool on wire racks before serving.

I'm not sure if the changes I did made that much of a diffference, but this made a dozen normal sized muffins and a dozen mini muffins. I love them so I'm happy about that!

As I'm sitting here eating Carrot cake, I thought I'd mention she's got a great recipe for that as well! Yummy Carrot Cake

Saturday Mornings

These blood oranges

+

= yummy Blood Orange Juice!