Signed the lease!

It is 4:30 in the afternoon and I just woke up; the past two days have been a blur.

Sunday afternoon Kris and I took family photos with our pups. (Another story entirely, it was a long few hours trying to get them to pose but I hope we got some good shots.) After the photo shoot was over, I headed to Chattanooga to my dad's house because I had two interviews on Monday. (See Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life post.) I didn't get there until late and then I had to hit the ground running. I nailed both of my interviews, was offered one job on the spot and signed the lease to our rental home. I was supposed to drive home that evening but I couldn't keep my eyes open. So, I woke up around 4 a.m. and headed back to Ft. Campbell. The hubby and I laid down to take a nap and needless to say, I slept the day away.

While I was at our rental home, I took some snapshots to share with our friends and family.

Well, without further adieu here are some photos of our rental home in Cleveland.

The outside and our front yard. It needs some TLC but it is charming.

Our huge backyard. Going to fence it in for our pups!

The dining room and hallway to the bedroom. Check out our 70's wood paneling, ha-ha!

Living room.

Kitchen.

Hallway to the three bedrooms. Full bath is to the right, master bedroom straight ahead (with half bath) and other two bedrooms are around the corner.

I am now booking "handy-man visits" for those interested in helping me update this home! Whose coming to visit?

"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run!"

Since the beginning of June, I have been playing in an Army wife softball league. It is recreational-slow pitch; however, it brings back memories from school and fast-pitch.

I have really enjoyed getting to know the ladies on the Wildcats. We are all very competitive and have played awesome thus far. It is kind of ironic that we play so well together. Most of the league's teams formed on their own. The Wildcats are all players who did not have a team and signed up individually.

Tonight, we suffered our first lost. It was hard to swallow my pride but we did play one heck of a game. It felt like every hit came my way at shortstop; there wasn't one play where I wasn't huffing and puffing. I will be sad when the season comes to an end; I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can finish the schedule out before we move.

Funny how the misfits have ended up being one of the best teams in the league.

Lead-off hitter.

On first base. Notice the handsome first base coach, Kris!

I was actually "in the zone" at shortstop for this game!

WILDCATS' Record
Wildcats vs. 101st Honeys W 24-3
Wildcats vs. Ft. Campbell Divas W 10-2
Wildcats vs. Screaming Eagles W 4-3
Wildcats vs. Lady Aces L 5-8
Wildcats vs. Campbell Knockouts ?

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life!" - Confucius

That Confucius really knew his philosophical thought!

Only problem with the "job you love" ideal is that first, you have to be hired for said job.

Kris is currently working on the application process to be a deputy with the Chattanooga Police Department. It is a very long process and after he is accepted he will have to complete a 6-month police academy. (Can we say "Army Basic Training" all over again?) It is his dream job and what can I say, I love a man in uniform!

As of now, I have two job interviews this upcoming Monday for two separate publications in Chattanooga: Chattanooga Magazine and the Chattanooga CityScope.

Chattanooga magazine is a large-format, superior quality civic magazine based in Chattanooga, TN. The articles feature the business, trade and tourism ventures, social programs, education, arts, special events, and award-winning practices of the city. It is dedicated to the economic development of the city of Chattanooga and the surrounding areas.


Chattanooga CityScope magazine is premier, glossy publication that is issued 5 times year. Through striking visuals and entertaining and informative editorial, CityScope magazine showcases the beauty and charm of the Chattanooga area. It is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the allure of this leading city in the southeast. In every issue of CityScope, the magazine features special profiles, fashions, dining, entertainment, the arts, schools and much more.

Needless to say, I am pretty excited; I hope it all works out with one of the publications and that I can live by Confucius' awesome thought.

East-Tennessee bound

This past weekend Kris made a last minute trip to Chattanooga to look at a rental home. Poor guy, he was only down there for exactly 24 hours; however, he looked at at least five houses.

The problem with rental property is if you find one you like you have to jump on it or it will no longer be on the market. So, long-story short we signed a lease and on July 1 we will have a home in Cleveland, Tennessee. It is a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath with a huge backyard that we are allowed to fence for our furbabies. It is not "the" dream home but it is a great start, with only a 6 month lease so we can choose to look for something else later if we like.

July 1 is not necessarily the date we are moving though. Kris still doesn't know when he will be completely done with the Army and the military move-out checklist is about a mile long. I stopped in to give Fort Campbell Family Housing our 30-day vacate notice today; our final inspection with housing is scheduled for July 22.

I am relieved that we found a home that works but the madness that ensues with moving is not something I am looking forward to. I just hate that Kris will have to move into the barracks for some time until he is honorably discharged. (I am keeping my fingers crossed that he can be out by August so we only have to spend a few weeks apart. Of course, Cleveland/Chattanooga is only a 3 1/2 hour drive from Fort Campbell so visiting will be easy.)

I look forward to the day in the very near future (Hey! A girl can dream, can't she?) that Kris and I are settled with dream jobs and starting our family.

My first blogging award: The Versatile Blogger

So, I haven't been doing this whole "blogging" thing for very long; however, I enjoy having an outlet for my thoughts and all the crazy shenanigans that are going on in my life. It is just icing on the cake when others read and comment on my posts.

Melissa, an avid blogger and author of a great book review and recipe blog, recently awarded me "The Versatile Blogger." The award is passed along to recently discovered bloggers who are fantastic. (Hey, not my words!)

I felt cooler than when I used to get stickers and smiley faces on my school work as a child. Thanks Melissa, for bringing out the childish-joy in me and thanks to the few people that continue to read my dysfunctional posts!

The dreaded question: "When are you having kids?"

Kris and I got married young. For us, it was perfect timing but I realize that most people don't get married at 22 and 21 years-old. Since most of our friends are not married and we are the first in our immediate families to 'take the plunge' the topic of babies is always in the forefront of every one's minds.

We've been "trying to conceive" (ttc) for five months and as we've been married for over a year, the questions of 'when are you having kids' are coming from every angle. Usually, when someone asks the question, I make a joke or change the subject; the answer is not as simple as yes or no.

I understand the norm is to not tell people, but I've decided against this. Simply put, I find myself no longer being able to brush it off or make a joke. I don't want our friends and family to wonder "why is she being so rude?" or "why did she get so upset?" when it comes up.

So, here it goes: We do want kids. We are trying; however, we are not having very much luck.

In January I stopped using birth control; in April we got our hopes up because I was late. Several hundreds of dollars and home pregnancy tests later, we decided to take a blood test. (Obviously, the blood test was negative.) Since then I have been undergoing several tests to see what's up. An ultrasound helped us learn that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which makes it very hard to become preggo. (My ovaries look like golf balls and Kris' swimmers can't break through.) My most recent appointment led to a bunch of lab work to check my hormone levels and all other kinds of chemicals in my body to see why I am not having a normal cycle. Fertility medicine might solve the problem, but my doctor wants to explore every avenue before declaring me 'infertile' enough to have to depend on drugs.

For now we are staying positive because anything is possible. The truth is I am scared to learn how long this journey is going to be. Just search 'trying to conceive' in google and there are thousands of forums and resources that discuss calenders, temperatures and a lot of crazy stuff that makes my head spin.

I know this might be too-much-information but a lot of people have NO IDEA about sensitivity with ttc-ing. They don't even know what ttc means. I don't want people to say "just enjoy it!" "take your time" "don't stress" "don't read too much" when they know we are trying because none of those things are the issue. It all boils down to me and my body.

I used to be that person saying to long term partners "why don't you have kids??" - and now I'm finally understanding. Unless you go through this month by month, and nobody talks to you about it, how can you even begin to understand?

So, don't worry. Your grand babies, nieces, nephews and godchildren are in the works, it might just take a little longer than expected.

The "Bird Whisperer"

For the past week, I have been dealing with "suicidal" baby birds. Of course, they are not really suicidal; however, they are learning to fly and using my fenced-in yard as their landing pad.

The only problem with that is Maya & Mojo think the birds are toys and the birds cannot get out of the fence once they land inside. I try to get them out of the "range of fire" without leaving my smell on them. (Mommy birds will not take a baby bird back into the nest if they smell like a human.)

This afternoon, right as I was about to let the pups into the yard, I saw two baby blue-birds in the yard. After taking these great shots, I got them safely out of the yard.

I am surprised I have not been "dive-bombed" by the mommy birds every time I step out into my yard...

Trying to climb the tree.




"Are you looking at me?"


My make-shift "bird mover".

With one of the blue-birds, moving safely out of the fence.

The problem with using ONE product for years: A rant

I do not know if my current annoyance is because of the stuff I am currently going through or if I am just that fickle.

(Disclaimer: Kris is shaking his head right now because we all know I am stubborn and once I find a product I like, I loyally stand by it.)

I have struggled with skin problems ever since I became a teenager. I probably have spent thousands in cold-hard-cash on different products that "swear to take care of your acne." Proactive, Clinique, L'Oreal, Sephora, Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena and even prescribed treatments have not worked. In high school, I fell in love with St. Ive's Apricot Scrub. My skin is oily and the stuff doesn't make it worse; the face wash has these little beads in it the exfoliate and it is pretty much a God-send.

Well, my poor hubby was on grocery duty last week and my face wash was on the list. Apparently, St. Ive's decided to up and change their "look" to include new logos and branding. Kris opened every bottle and even felt the contents of each to find my beloved face wash.

What he came home with looked exactly like the product, smelled exactly like it; however, the bottle was an impostor. The face wash was like lotion (not great for already oily skin) and left my face feeling dirtier than before. Now, I have to hunt through the store and see if the new packages merely tricked us or if the scrub is really gone for good.

Lesson learned: don't fall in love with a product and use it for 10 years because it will more than likely be discontinued after some time.

Home Is Where The Heart Is!

I am currently visiting my mom in East Tennessee. (See "Pick Your Poison" post.) Time is precious and because Kris is amazing, he suggested house hunting in the area so we could be closer to my mom after his retirement from the military. ( See "Change is the Essence of Life" post.)

I am taking full advantage of my time in the area this weekend. There are two places that I have found that I really like.

Option # 1
3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath with a 2-car garage in Ashlin Meadow subdivision. The home is located in Cleveland, TN which is about 30 minutes from my mom.


Option # 2
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2912 square feet, 2 car garage and fenced back yard. This house is also in Cleveland, TN.



What do you guys think? There are still plenty of options out there, I just have to find them! Now, if I could just get people to return my calls so I can set up a showing of the properties!

Pick Your Posion

I am a firm believer that everyone plays a role in determing their own "fate." However, I have never imagined experiencing someone close to me having to pick their own fate in every literal sense of the word.

My mother has Huntington's disease: a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. HD slowly diminishes the affected individual's ability to walk, talk and reason. Eventually, the person with HD becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. Huntington's Disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families -- emotionally, socially and economically. Once symptoms begin, there is no reversal and the disease will eventually kill.

In the past, year my mom has moved in with my sister in East Tennessee so she can have daily assitance. Thankfully, she is still functioning on her own but she can no longer drive or work and because of her jerky movements; it is unsafe for her to be alone for long periods of time.

She is only 46.

The Call

Last night, my sister called me to update me on the most recent doctor's appointment. This is a normal routine as I like to know how experimental treatments are going.

This call was different as it brought devestating news. My mom has high cholestral and low potassium. Neither of which seems very dangerous; however, the combination for my mother is deadly:

- Low potassium levels can cause a heart attack.
- The medicine that raises her potassium must be taken with her high cholestral medicine.
- The high cholestral medicine intesifies and speeds up the arrival of Huntington's disease symptoms.
- Without the cholestral and potassium medicine, my mom could pass away any day from a heartattack.
- Without the experiemental Huntington's medicine, my mom's symptoms will worsen and she will eventually pass away.

Picking Her Posion

My sister had to have "the" conversation with my mom that no child should have to have with their parents at our age. (She is 24 and I am 22.) My mom had to decide which medicine she would like to persue and, in theory, "pick her posion."

I can't even imagine having to determine, between two horrible options, how I am going to leave this earth. On one hand, a heartattack could happen at any time and you would be living day-to-day. On the other hand, Huntington's disease strips you down and leaves almost no trace of "yourself" before it takes your life. You will be hateful, bipolar and a danger to yourself and others.

Huntington's can not be prevented but there is medicine for my mother's heart problems. I selfishly want her to continue fighting for as long as she can but it is her decision how she would like to live out the rest of her life. She watched both her mother and sister die from this disease and I know she fears how bad it could become.

"I am too stubborn to die just yet!"

My mom, in her true, blunt/German fashion, took the news in stride. Her reply was to hold off taking the potassium/cholestral medicine and try to change her lifestyle. I doubt exercise and change in diet will make that much of a difference at this point but at least she still has some fight left in her.

Her "fight" was apparent when I asked her how she was doing after the news.

"Schatz, (sweetheart) I am too stubborn to die just yet!"

For my sake, let's hope she is right!

"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender WHAT YOU ARE for WHAT YOU COULD BECOME."

Yesterday, Kris went to his primary care provider to get his permanent profile and start the MEB process. For those of you not familiar with military jargon:

Profile: Documentation of a soldier's temporary physical fitness capabilities and limitations because of an accident, injury or condition.

Permanent Profile: Documentation of a soldier's physical fitness limitations because of a permanent accident, injury or condition.

MEB: Medical Evaluation Board; The steps a soldier must take to be medically honorably discharged.

IOTV: Improved Outer Tactical Vest; Protective vest worn while deployed that protects the soldier.

ACH: Army Combat Helmet; Helmet worn while deployed that protects the solider.

Kris has Torticollis, a muscle disorder, in his neck that limits his range of motion and his ability to wear an IOTV and ACH. The muscle, the Levator Scapulae, is responsible for allowing you to turn your head. When there are muscle spasms a loss in range of motion and stiffness of the neck can occur.

Basically, Kris' Levator Scapulae is constantly spasmodic; therefore, it is tight. The weight of equipment is unbearable (no matter how strong he is) and it is difficult for him to "cover his six" i.e. watch his back. Specialists experimented with several treatments to no avail; the possibility of surgery was even discussed. (No surgeon was willing to try the surgery as it was determined to be too risky.)

We have been visiting doctors since March of 2009 and it has been a long road to get to this point. Unfortunately, since there is no medical solution the Army, being concerned with Kris' health, has decided to honorably discharge him.

Kris' reaction to loosing his job, the second love of his life, showcases how amazing of a man/husband/partner/person he is. His only concern is being able to provide for our family and make me proud. Little does he know, I couldn't be more proud of him.

What's next?

The MEB process could take as long as a year. We are discussing where we would like to move and what jobs we would like to pursue. I can practice journalism anywhere; however, Kris would like to stay in law enforcement. Research on houses, neighborhoods and state trooper academy's is underway.

For now, we are living by the ideal that "change is the essence of life" and that we must "surrender what we ARE for what we can BECOME."

Let me tell you, the possibilities of what we can become as a couple are endless.

The "dog days" of summer

I find it so refreshing to watch kids find delight in something so silly it makes you stop and appreciate the simpler things in life. For you mom's out there you have to admit there has been a time when your kiddos played with the packing of their new toy versus the new toy itself!



In my case, the "kids" I watch are my two fur-babies, Maya and Mojo. Both are full-breed Boxers and fully-spoiled rotten. (That is of course Kris' fault; I swear I have no part in their spoiling! ) They find some way to make me smile on a daily basis: the way they "talk back" by howling at me when I scold them, their sunshine personalities and even the way the can sense my emotions and act accordingly.

Maya and Mojo found a new childish delight yesterday when Kris and I took them to a local creek: swimming! I swear I could watch them dive in and paddle around for hours; they were just too cute.

"As busy as I claim to be, I've still got the greatest job in the world."

Even as I begin this "blogging" adventure, signs are everywhere telling me I will not have the time: the dogs need to be walked, my sick-hubby needs his medicine, the laundry needs folded, the dogs need walked, the house needs cleaning and the dishes are not going to wash themselves. Oh, did I mention the dogs need walking?

All are joys of being a wife; things I normally love to do as long as I am not wrapped up in the pages of a book or writing (for work or otherwise).

However, the "normal" life distractions are only a portion of my job description, I am also an Army wife. The latter includes more challenging duties, accurately and humorously described below in "army lingo" :

I'm the IG, complaints come to me.
I am the Medic, I bandage skinned knees.
I'm the Legal Office and the courts-martial, too.
I decide the punishment, how much and on who,
I'm Health: Welfare, inspecting for junk,
and the 1SG checking the bunk.
I'm also Supply, in charge of food,
clothes,house wares, diapers, toys,
heaven only knows.
I'm the MP, who secures the door,
I'm also the PVT who GI's the floor,
I'm the Mess SGT who cooks all the meals.
I'm TMP in charge of the wheels.
I'm MWR planning all the fun
and I am the Bugler, announcing the "day is done".
I'm the KP, who does all the dishes,
I am the DA who hears all you wishes.
I'm the CQ and the Fireguard, too,
there isn't that much that I don't do.
I'm the Squad Leader, who knows his troops well,
sometimes the Drill SGT who really can yell.
I never go to battle, and AR of some sort,
but you can count on me to bravely guard the fort.
I'm ALWAYS on duty,
I never take leave,
no Holidays off, it's hard to believe!
I can never ETS, I signed for life,
my primary MOS is partner,
my secondary is Army Wife.

I also decided that only being a homemaker was not for me right now and I am currently interning at Business & Heritage Clarksville magazine. Life is pretty perfect. Now, if only I could become a mommy to more than just my two crazy furbabies.

As busy as my life may seem, I wouldn't have it any other way. No matter how many "jobs" I accumulate, the greatest one will always be Life As Wife.