Winter in the South

Once again, I have not blogged in several weeks - okay - MONTHS, but I'm going to try my best to change that. I was scrolling through my MySpace blog recently, and realized I used to update that sucker at least twice a week. Since I am a person with little to no long-term memory, it is crucial that I try to blog that often. Otherwise, I am unable to remember anything from my past, and that is sad indeed.

I've officially been an Alabama resident for about 4 months now. I'm not going to lie and say I enjoy the simple, slow living of the South. While I am happy to be away from the crowded, cold North, I'm not especially fond of the rural, hot South. Although, that heat I'm going to hate has not even arrived yet. Instead, we actually had a northern-like winter, complete with several inches of snow last month, and cold temps. I had to laugh as I watched the locals react to the few inches of snow we got, and everything in Alabama shut down (roads, businesses, etc). All I could think is, y'all can handle a HURRICANE, but not a few inches of snow!? Anywho, we've had some 70 degree days sprinkled in here and there, but for the most part, it's been a long winter. I am ready for spring temps, but not the oppressive heat that will rear it's ugly head mid-summer.

I also still have yet to find a job down here. The admin jobs are far and few between here, and no, I do NOT want to work retail or restaurants. I did apply for some admin jobs with Manpower, so I'm really hoping they will call back and put me on file. Money is very tight, and I want to be able to enjoy the few things I CAN do down here (go to Target on the weekend, for one).

This past weekend, we went to a "Couples Retreat" of our own, called Strong Bonds. The program is one that is organized by Jason's chaplain, and the Army pays for the hotel and food. We headed down to Panama City Beach (otherwise known as the Redneck Riviera) for a few days of sun and relaxation. The temps were cool, but our hotel was located directly on the beach. PCB is Spring Break Central during the month of March, and we arrived JUST as the pandemonium was about to begin. There were only a handful of students that arrived while we were there, but they still made enough noise to cause us to change rooms. We also learned some random, but interesting facts of what occurs during the 3-4 week hysteria. It's almost like the hotel is inhabited by children during that time, and they must plan accordingly. The staff removes all breakable items in the rooms, and brings out their "Spring Break" quality sheets, comforters, etc. The buffets are "dumbed down" as one staff member told us, with food served on paper plates and cups (children MUST place in garbage once finished). They are issued colored wristbands according to their age (for drinking purposes), and should they lose that precious wristband, they must pay $250 to replace (this effectively deters them from ripping off the band and giving to their underage friend). All entrance and exit doors are locked in the hotel, except for the main door. Upon entering, they must be "checked-in", and unfortunately, are not allowed to bring home any new "friends" they made at the bar.

A few more random tidbits:

Wal-mart sells more bananas during this 3-week period than all other Wal-marts in the U.S. combined. Apparently, bananas help with hangovers (huh?), and the potassium helps curb their hunger so they can continue drinking.

The city of PCB receives approximately $70 million revenue during the month of March.

15,000 dollars worth of recyclable cans were collected off the beaches last year (beaches close at 5, and the children are corralled onto the hotel grounds).

Needless to say, you could not pay me to spend a weekend down there during that time. I know I'm not THAT much older than these kids, but I just feel like I am. Don't get me wrong, I definitely like to party and have a good time, but not the extent that today's youth does.

Overall, we had a nice weekend, and even didn't mind the classes we had to sit through. Never hurts to strengthen and enhance the marriage bonds...I think we all could benefit from these classes.

Sweet home Alabama

First of all, I realize it's been a loooong time since I posted here. As much as I like to think I can blog daily, it never seems to happen that way. However, I figure now is a good as time as any to get started again, seeing as I'm jobless and stuck at home for the time-being.

So, Sweet Home Alabama, indeed. Did you also know there's a song called Sweet Home Chicago? LOL I would hope most people know that, although it just dawned on me the other day how ironic that the 2 most polar opposite states have a song with the same title. Alabama is the true South, in my opinion. I am a true Chicagoan, through and through, so you can imagine what it's like for this Midwest girl to adjust to the new Southern style of living. I would compare it to small-town living, but that's only because where I come from there are more people per square foot than probably any other city in the country. I know it will just take some time (I hope) for me to really feel more comfortable, but for right now I'm feeling slightly out of place.

Since my arrival this past weekend, we've spent most the time unpacking and arranging our very nice home here on Fort Rucker. Rucker is actually quite nice, and the neighborhood so far is quiet, and nothing like the horror stories I've heard from others. I will post pics soon. We went to the Enterprise library yesterday, and yes, it was a far cry from the awesome library in Schaumburg that I used to frequent back in Illinois. I'm hoping to try another library this week, in Dothan, as that one seems to have many more new books. Unfortunately, Dothan is a good 45 min away, but it's the nearest "big" city to us. Reading is going to help keep my sanity till I find a job though, so I will make the trek anyway.

Thanksgiving is next week, and I'm still not sure what we're going to do. Initially, we thought of possibly visiting friends, but Jason doesn't have many leave days left and we need to save some for when Avery visits next month. I'm sure I'll have some interesting posts once he is here, as he is quite an active little boy!

He's Just Not That Into You

You can say that again! Oh, how I wish this movie had come out, oh, say, 7 years ago. ;-) I finally decided to go to the movies. I don't go to the movies all that often. The movie really has to be a MUST-SEE for me to do that, and those are far and few between. I thought this movie had a great cast, and that is one of the main reasons I decided to see it the first weekend it was available. I LOVED this movie. I have never really see Ginnifer Goodwin in any of her previous roles, and I think she did a perfect job. She was the main character, in my opinion, and perfect casting job there. I've also gained a new appreciation for Bradley Cooper (YUM), and Justin Long. Since it wasn't all too long ago (heck, last year for a brief period) that I was in the dating world, I could totally relate to the dating woes of the various female characters. The advice given was spot on, as to why men don't call, and why they act they way they do while dating and in relationships. I also like that it wasn't your typical girly chick flick, complete with sunshine and lollipops (said sarcastically while rolling my eyes). I'm like a dude in that I don't dig those typical chick flicks, and I like movies that don't always end happily (well, for some there is a happy ending in this movie). I can admit to being a typical girl during one part of the movie, where Justin Long has one of the best, most romantic lines. :-) I'd give this movie 4 stars, in my oh so humble opinion. ;-)

Lots of Navy love

Can I just say I love the Navy, or that I love working for the Navy? I have never had a job that takes care of me the way the Navy does! I feel like we're one big family, and that makes for one happy employee. :) I don't know how I could leave the job, except for the fact most everyone will be leaving at some point this year. I am worried about what I will do in 'Bama, or what government jobs may be available (most are aviation instructor positions).

I also need to really get moving on wedding planning. I need to select a photographer, as well as help my bridesmaids pick out their dresses. I'm such a procrastinator, and bad at making decisions. I wish Jason was here to make the decisions for me. Ha ha!

I am looking forward to our first warm day in months this weekend. The temps should be in the fifties on Saturday. WOO HOO!!

Long time no blog

And for good reason...Jason was in town these past 15 days, so needless to say, I had little to no time to blog! I just dropped him off at the airport this morning. Surprisingly enough, I did not cry or get upset when saying goodbye to him in the car. However, now that I've come home to an empty apartment, I REALLY feel his absence, and miss him a LOT!

Where do I begin? We did SO much during his R&R. Jason was able to meet my family, close friends, old bosses, new bosses, hairdresser, etc. We really made our rounds while he was here. We also had a good time during our trip to Florida, although I was peeved (to say the least) when 2 out of the 3 days we were there turned out to be COLD. Apparently, Mother Nature didn't like me leaving Chicago, so she followed me down there, bringing along the cold. :-/ We got a little beach time in, although definitely not swimsuit weather, much to my dismay. I do have pics that I am too lazy to post at the moment, but you can find on my Facebook or MySpace page.

Now I'm just eager for Jason to get back to Iraq so we can start the clock for when he will return home for good. Fingers crossed he's back by July, so that I can show him summer in Chicago. He definitely wanted NO part of the bitterly cold weather we've been having here in the Midwest, and I don't blame him. We had some of the coldest temps so far while he was here. Poor guy! Chicago is so much better during the summer, and I hope he gets to see this year.

Waitin' on pins and needles

Jason called this morning to say he should be arriving here tomorrow afternoon. Just a short time later, he called again to say "scratch that, reverse it" (he didn't really say that, but can you guess who did), the Army changed its mind (imagine that) and he'd MAYBE be in tomorrow night. Aaargh!! This wouldn't be an issue, except for the fact my sailor co-worker is on leave this week and it will be hard for me to get away. Hopefully he just arrives late tomorrow night, and I don't have to worry about getting him on Monday.

I was also worried about the snow. Snow continued to fall into the afternoon today, and I think we ended with a total of around 8-9 inches. I am SO sick of snow!!! We've gotten so much already this winter, enough to last me a lifetime. I'm glad it finally stopped, because I do not want to have delays once he gets to the States.

I'm getting really nervous and excited now. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve! I'm the type of person who doesn't really get excited until just hours before something is going to happen. Just please cross your fingers for us that he gets in sometime on Sunday, so we at least have a little time together before I go to work. Otherwise, I'll probably have to pick him up on Monday, and then go back to work!!

2 more days (maybe less??)

We are in the midst of yet ANOTHER snowstorm, and all I can think is that it better not affect Jason's flight home!!! He's in Kuwait right now, and should get his itinerary in a few hours. He will fly to Germany, then to Texas or Georgia, with the final destination being CHICAGO. I am now finally starting to REALLY get excited. What can I say, I'm just a last-minute person with EVERYTHING, which is also why I have to really start cleaning the apartment. I have a living room that is still full of boxes, most of which Jason will help me unpack. I hope he gets in early on Sunday, so we have a full day. I do work all this week, but go on leave starting the following Monday, when we'll be in Florida YAAAAAAY I can't tell you how ready I am for a vacation!! We've had SUCH a rough winter, and this week we will be back down to highs of 7 degrees and lows of -2!! I feel bad for Jason, who I don't think has felt that kind of cold in a loooong time, if ever. We have SO much to do that I think now we only have 2-3 days where nothing is planned. His dad will be arriving later this week, for just a day. I'm excited to finally have a life, LOL, since my life lately has been fairly dull. Work has been the most fun thing to happen to me these days, and that's only cos we've been slow and I can shoot the shit with my fellow employees. I've really gained a better appreciation for the Navy, that's for sure.