Blah.

Have you ever wondered why life works in crazy ways? It's been a while since I've had time to sit down and just write anything. And I'm starting to see, sometimes it's necessary to have me time and to just sit down and do what I want. Have you ever had a blessing and a curse at the same time? This past weekend Joe's dad had a stroke so we made the 12 hour drive home on emergency leave. I hate saying this and feel guilty but I'm sorta glad we got to come home. His father is doing great, under the circumstances. But I'm just happy to get away from everything military for a little while and just be with family. At this moment I sit here typing this with Joe and my dad watching the Packers game. I don't want to leave in two days, I don't want to leave my home to go back to my own home. But I guess that's part of this journey we all live. We grow, we leave home, and make our own place. 

Questions To Free My Mind

As part of my 101 in 1001 I will answer the 50 Questions that will Free your Mind. I haven't looked at any of these questions yet, but I'm just going to lay it all out there and be completely honest.

"Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer."

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? I would most likely be in my late 20's. Still young and experiencing new things, but mature and starting to settle down in life.
   
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never trying. If I failed but tried my best then I have no regrets.
   
3.  If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? I think that's part of life. It's part of learning and growing. We all have struggles, and we all have dreams. Someday we hope to achieve them, and weather we do or not, at least it's goals we set for our self to keep us going.
   
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? I'm not really sure if this can ever be answered by yourself. Because when do we really know when it's finally "all said and done."
   
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? There is too much hate. I'm not saying war is the problem, what I'm getting at is when is the last time you helped a stranger for no reason at all or gave a friendly wave to someone to brighten their day.
   
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? I've yet to find that out, but I know as long as I'm with a good group of people, I can hate what I'm doing but still have fun.
   
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I've done so many things other people thought I was crazy for, so I'm defiantly doing what I believe in.
   
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
    
   
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? Many things have happened in my life that I wish never did, but I couldn't change. I would like to say I have controlled at least 75% of my life.
   
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? I guess it all depends on what those things are. Sometimes one out weighs the other.
    
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do? In the past I wouldn't say a thing, I might even join in with them. But the past two years I've changed, found a new respect for myself and the ones I love. Now I would stand up for my friend.
    
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Never take things for granted, or think it could never happen to you. Because one day, everything can change forever.
    
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? Yes.
    
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Absolutely, everyday we judge people and their actions, but if we take a moment to stop, not everything is bad there can be beauty.
     
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? This may not be so different for a lot of people, but where I grew up it was. I wasn't afraid to go after what I wanted, I got married before I graduated high school. I did what most people said was a mistake, and I don't regret it.
    
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? Because everyone finds their own joy in different things.
    
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What's holding you back? I really want to take a vacation, by myself. A few things hold me back... 1. money 2. time 3.maybe when i'm older
    
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Maybe a few past relationships with people that can never be repaired.
    
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? Whatever one the Marines take my husband away to.
    
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? I once had a job where I would be riding the elevator 20 times in one hour... and yes I did push that button many times. And no it did not make it go any faster.
     
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? A joyful simpleton.
    
22. Why are you, you? Because who else would I be.
    
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? To some yes, to others not at all.
    
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Well not too long ago I was that friend that moved away, and though it sucks, we've made plans to see each other soon. So I would much rather be miles apart and still talk than be close and never talk.
    
25. What are you most grateful for? The people I have been blessed to meet and love.
    
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? I would rather never be able to make new ones. My past hasn't been perfect and the future may hold a brighter promise, but right now I could die happy. And my sister is a huge part of my old memories, and the thought of them vanishing forever tears me apart.
    
27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? Yes, just have a little faith.
    
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true? I never knew my greatest fear until it happened. Losing my sister was the worst thing that has ever happened in my life, and now ever day I worry about everyone else I love.
    
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now? No, there are many things I will remember that upset me, but the majority of them I don't.
    
30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?
    This picture may not have meaning to anyone, but to me it means the world, for these reasons:
    
    This was a time when we were all happy, we got out and went for walks on my grandparents farm (which they no longer own.) We had the biggest snowball war, just my parents, sister and my favorite dog. Now my sister and the dog are up in heaven, things have gotten a littler harder and more complicated.
    
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? When I first started dating Joey. Don't get me wrong, there's still the passion, but being 16 and finding my first love was exciting.
    
32. If not now, then when? Read above^
    
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose? I'll always have something to lose, as long as there is love.
    
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? Yes, sometimes words are not necessary.
    
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? All's fair in love and war.
    
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? "There are no absolutes. No one's all good, or evil." -Dexter (TV series)
    
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? As of right now my job is babysitting, and I love the kids I watch, so no.
    
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? I don't mean to sound lazy, but I would rather have less work to do. That way I can spend my time with my family or finding new things I love.
    
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? Not a hundred, maybe 98... I have gotten stuck in a boring routine.
    
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? The day I got married.
    
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? I would go back to NY, bringing Joey with me and get all my closest friends and family in one house and just enjoy our time together.
    
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Not at all, I have no desire to be famous, and Joe already thinks I'm attractive so what more do I need.
    
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? Having a motive to go after your dreams. And happiness.
    
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Just do whats right and will make you happy.
    
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? Some mistakes aren't easy to accept. The lessons learned can be tough and unfair.
    
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? Nothing, I don't let other people's thoughts control my actions now.
    
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? I never really thought about it, but now I'm listening haha.
    
48. What do you love?  Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? I love photography! Someday I plan to buy a grand camera and take beautiful photos like this..
    
    
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that? That's easy, no. I have terrible memory and I can hardly remember yesterday right now.
    
50. Decisions are being made right now.  The question is:  Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? I make my own choices, weather I have someone influencing me, in the end I make them myself.

So there it is, the 50 Questions that will free your mind. This really got me thinking, about all the things in life I cherish, all the goals and dream I have for  myself, and it reminded me to just be happy with who I am. 

Song Link-Up 2

Thanks to Goodnight Moon's weekly song link-up, this week I'll be picking a song from one of my favorite new and upcoming artists, Tyler Ward. I came across him on YouTube a few months ago with his cover of Lady Gaga's Born This Way. Since then there hasn't been a song of his I haven't listened to. This past weekend he had a show 5 hours away from me, that got sold out. But someday I will see him live! I wish I could post all my  favorite songs from him but that list would go on and on, so I'll share one of their original songs.

Day Zero

A few days ago I wrote about completing the Day Zero Project and I finally came up with my list.

101 things in 1001 days 

By the end of every week I will blog about what I've completed or whats still in progress. I choose a lot of things in my list that deal with writing letters, taking pictures, reading, watching movies, doing things the will help the community, and simple things that bring me joy and better myself. My main goal is to grow a greater appreciation for all the things I been given. I also think it's a great way to document the next 2.75 years. Not only do I love a great challenge, but the excitement and adventures that are to come will be life changing.

So here begins the next 1001 days! 

Fishing

This entire weekend I was out on a boat. Since moving down here, I must admit its the most fun I've had. Our neighbors have an awesome little boat they go out on all the time, and this weekend they gave us a little taste of North Carolina. 

We went gigging and pole fishing. Anyone who's never gone gigging before should defiantly try it if they ever get the chance. It's a lot of patience and well... balance. Joe had the fun of falling off the boat! Neither of us have really had experience being out on boats, so I'm just glad it was him and not me. It was so exciting seeing all the jelly fish, sting ray, and other unique sea creatures I never would have had the change to see in NY.

Joey's Trout

Giggin'

First catch of the day

Right after Joe fell in

All the flounder we gigged on night 1

I hope you all had a fun weekend! 

Liebster Blog Award

Liebster Blog Award

Recently I was given the Liebster Blog Award by Christi over at Mackey's Moments... She has an awesome blog, so check her out! :)

 

A little note about the Award...

The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

To keep this award going, pass the award along to 5 other new deserving bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The rules for the Liebster Blog Award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love, too!

Top 5 Picks:

Nicole over at a florida girl and her soldier.

Ashley over at Be Bright and Jovial

 Paula (P) over at Life;s Little Lessons

 Kaylee over at Max & Kaylee

 Kristina over at Pretty Rambles

Fill In The Blank Friday

I know this is the 4th post in a row where I haven't actually said much myself... but all will change in time. These past few days have had me in a bit of a funk and not really sure what to say. Joe and I have been on edge about everything it seems. The newly wed bliss is being replaced with the real life issues of bills, house issues, and just figuring out living with each other. I guess I'm just starting to really miss home. It's very exhausting trying to make new friends when all I really want to do is be with my old ones. Anyways, without further ado... the lovely Fill In The Blank Friday!

1.   Nothing says fall like  red, yellow, & orange leaves and a warm sweater.

2.   My favorite autumnal tradition is raking a big pile of leaves and just falling into it. It doesn't matter what age you are, it still feels good to just lay there and enjoy the moment.

3.  My favorite fall treat is pumpkin rolls!! Mhhh.

4. Fall makes me think of  school  because  I always remember making the most school crafts at this time. I guess the beauty also gives everyone so much inspiration.

5.  Autumn free form word association, go! Photography, Crunchy Leaves, Long Walks, Cool Mornings

6.  My go-to outfit in the fall is Boots, Leggings, Sweater/Cardigan, Dress or Shirt, and a Scarf

7.  My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) When I was little, of course it would be Halloween. But now its defiantly Thanksgiving. Not only do I love the big feast, but being able to be with my family and appreciate all that I have been given really makes me love this holiday.

So there ya'll have it! 

Its OK Thursday!

This week has been pretty crazy!  But tomorrow is Friday, and Saturday follows Friday! So here you have it...Its OK...To skip today's makeup
To lay in bed an extra 10 minutes
To take a breath and enjoy the world
To want to be held
To cry & laugh
To be unsure of the future
To sing your heart out in the shower
Because it's all OK!

Song Link-Up

This is my first song link-up! Thanks to....

I have so many songs right now, its so hard to pick just one. But here it is, my favorite pick me up song.
They just melt my heart! 

What I'm Loving Wednesday

So I know I just posted... but here's my WILW!

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I'm loving that I have a wonderful husband who has blessed us with so much

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I'm loving that Halloween is 12 days away

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I'm loving that I'm an aunt to the cutest little girl

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I'm loving Pintrest for all these lightbulb craft ideas

Well today..

I will be giving blood, and Joe will be donating blood plasma! It's not the first time for either of us but its been a while since we were able to due to our tattoos. In the past I had difficulty with keeping my blood flowing to give enough.. so this time I've been taking daily vitamins and drinking tons of water. Did you know that every two seconds someone is in need of a blood donation? 

Anyways, while I'm waiting for him to get off of work, I decided to re-organize my recipe book and came across a bunch of pictures of the past things I've made. By far my favorite was the Brownie Pops. I made these a few years ago for Christmas, but you can substitute the candy-cane sticks for popsicle sticks and decorate the brownies with any color sprinkles to fit any holiday. 

Brownie Pops Recipe

Brownies:

Ingredients (Also Replaceable with any store bought brownie mix- just follow directions on box): 

1/2 cup butter
2 (1 oz) squares of unsweetened chocolate
1 (10 oz) package of Andes Crème de Menthe Baking Chips (Optional Mint Holiday Chips, just remember to replace with a 10 oz of milk chocolate package)
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degF. 
2. Combine the butter, unsweetened chocolate, and 1 cup of the andes mints in a medium saucepan. Melt ingredients together over low heat until completely mixed and melted together (be sure to stir constantly).
3. Remove from heat, add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, beating until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients (flour and salt). Stir into chocolate mixture until well blended. Stir in remaining Andes mint chips.
5. Pour batter into a lightly greased 8" square pan. 
6. Bake at 350 degF for 32 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan on a wire rack.

Ball The Brownies:

1. After the pan of brownies has completely cooled, use a 2 Tbsp baking scoop to gently scoop out balls of cooked brownies from the pan. 
2. Gently reshape the brownies into smooth balls by rolling in your hands. (This can get a little messy!)
3. Place the balls on a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment (wax) paper. 
4. Insert candy cane sticks, or whatever you choose for the lollipop stick
5. Chill balls on baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Recipe should make around 30 Pops.

Chocolate Coating:

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp shortening
5 (2 oz) chocolate candy coating squares
Crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, sprinkles

Directions:

1. Place the shortening and coating in a glass 2 cup measuring cup. 
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted. 
3. Stir until smooth. 
4. Dip each brownie pop into the melted chocolate mixture, reheating the chocolate as necessary in the microwave to keep it melted. 
5. Replace the chocolate dipped brownie pops on the large parchment-lined baking sheet. 
6. Add Crushed candy canes, peppermint candies, sprinkles
7. Let the pops stand until the chocolate is firm.
8. Once firm, serve how desired (I choose mini foil cupcake wrappers)

Inspiration

Okay, so I credit Facebook for me stumbling upon this video. I was so amazed by it I just couldn't help but share. This lady took a picture every day for 4.5 YEARS! Talk about commitment. Obviously she changed over those years, but she kept the same pose for each one. Lately I've been trying to find something to inspire me and will make me feel a little more accomplished even if its a simple project or takes years to accomplish. After watching this I think it would be awesome to just document my life every day to see how I really change over the years. I'm also really interested in doing the Day Zero Project, I just have to find time to really think about what 101 things I would want to accomplish... which turns out to be quite difficult. 

So anyways, here's the video...

A little pick me up

One thing that never fails to brighten my day, Youtube videos. Its a bad habit, but I can spend hours searching singers, vloggers, movie clips, tv shows, just anything that I find funny.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of this movie, or the song. But I just love this video! 

And then reality sinks in

Lately I've been reading a lot of different blogs, hoping to get some ideas of how to better my own. I came across funny ones, creative ones, and then recently I came across a few sad ones. Ones about broken hearts and death. They really got me thinking about my own life and how much I really wish I could take an hour drive and be with my family. Two years, two months ago yesterday my sister was killed by a drunk driver. I'll never understand why God allowed him to walk away without a scratch but my 18 year old sister had to die. Everyday I miss her more and more. Its not fair that I got to get married, buy a house, and shes never going to experience any of this, or physically be here for any of it with me. Expressing my feelings about this has always been hard for me. I tried to not let anyone see the hurt I held inside, I couldn't bare seeing my parents in such pain and let them see my own. Eventually time went by and I still keep everything to myself. Eventually I spiraled down so fast I didn't know how anyone could ever help me. Slowly I'm learning to express my feelings, bottling everything up only lead to big breakdowns. My heart breaks every time I read about someone else going through a loss, but part of me feels like everything will be alright, that I'm not the only one trying to re-find my life. In no way am I blogging about this to have people few feel sorry for me. Its my way of letting my emotions out, and in hopes that someone will hear my story and do things to prevent accidents like this. I am so thankful to have the family, friends, and husband I do. Without them I would not be where I'm at now.  

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In #1 and A Taste of Christmas

Well I know its technically Saturday now, but when I first started this it was still Friday... 

1. A word that always makes me laugh is actually an inappropriate word to be posting on a blog. It comes with a funny story of not knowing the meaning and embarrassing myself in front of everyone.

2. If you looked in my refrigerator right now, the oldest thing you’d find would be  a tub of yogurt... I bought it the day after we moved in, and have since opened it. I guess after you move some of the foods you loved and craved change. 

3. If I were written about in the newspaper today, on the front page, the headline would say Crazy Lady with Christmas decorations already! ...

4. The last movie I saw was Super Troopers. Never fails to give me a good laugh! 

5. The best thing that happened to me in the last few weeks was finding out that our family's will be coming here for Thanksgiving! My first Thanksgiving dinner I've ever hosted.. eek :) 

To add onto yesterdays post and #3, today Joe and I were at wal-mart grocery shopping and decided to go in the outdoors section and look at the display of fake Christmas trees just to get an idea of what we would want. Originally we were going to get a real tree but its still undecided how long we will be in NY for the holidays. Anyways I saw the BEST tree ever and just had to get it, and of course as soon as I got home I was putting it together. Then Joe comes out with our only two Christmas ornaments we own and put them on our tree.

And over the past few days we have been trying to think of gifts we could make our family's that are inexpensive but cherish-able. I came across this on a craft website and decided its simple enough to do and with the beach being 10 min away, we can make the things inside a little more personal and special. Instead of fishbowls, we are going to use tall canning jars. This is my first craft project I've done in a long time! I feel like such a kid again and all giddy. The best part... Joe is equally excited!