I wrote this in a message board post a few months ago and thought I'd archive it here. It's interesting to see the difference between the two post (the first one having been written during my deployment experience, the second a year and a half afterwards). Hopefully, this will help someone's journey be a little bit easier!
First of all... Know that my thoughts are with you! This is a huge thing, so the anxiety and other emotions you are experiencing are normal and understandable!
My deployment with my husband was a little different, since he was on a carrier the whole time and only gone for 8 months. But my best friend is going through a 15 month deployment with the Army right now and I see a lot of parallels between her experience and mine.
First... know that the closer it gets to his deployment the harder it will be! I know that’s not very encouraging, but sometimes just knowing what to expect helps. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting in arguments in the weeks before he leaves. Sometimes being angry is easier than being sad. But try to identify what is going on and combat the tendency to substitute feelings. I’ve heard of a lot of girls who’s guy goes off while they are angry and it’s no good!
Second... once he leaves, the first few weeks will be the hardest! But take comfort in knowing that it WILL get easier! Try to make as many plans as possible for the day he leaves and the following days. My girlfriend was at the base for 10 hours the day he left because they kept pushing back the leave time. She said she really wishes that they would have established a length of time for her to be there. If he wasn’t gone by then, she wishes he had walked her to the car and let her go on and leave. She said it was excruciating! We had made plans for me to come down and be with her that first night. She said that really helped.
Surround yourself with military folks if you can. Civilians (as much as they love us and want to be there for us) often times just do not know what to do or say. It’s almost like death; no one wants to say anything. Another military person will know that you may want to cry or you may not want to think about it at all.
Make as many plans for those first few weeks, and especially the weekend (or whatever your usual days off are) as possible. The last thing you want to do is find yourself with nothing to do because believe me you will end up sitting around being depressed and that won’t make anything better.
Routines help soooo much! Stay busy! Take up a new hobby; find a volunteer opportunity, or a second job. Try your best to see this as time to take care of you and do the things you might not have time to do with your guy there all the time.
And most importantly, during this phase, know that simply getting up every morning, putting one foot in front of the other all day long, and making it through the day is an accomplishment in and of itself, and be ready to celebrate that!
Third... expect there to come a time when your routine becomes a rut! I saw it in my deployment and in my friends. At some point all the things you put in place to try and keep one foot in front of the other starts to become a burden instead of a help! When this happens be ready to change up your routine. At this point, you may also realize that you don’t need the routine as much as you did before.
Fourth... once you get through the rut stage, expect to hit the groove! This seems to be the time around half way or so when you stop simply "surviving" and you start to "thrive" in the situation! You become more confident in yourself, as well as your ability to survive through this tough time!
Fifth... as homecoming gets closer and closer, expect things to get hard again. It’s kind of like running a long race or hiking a long trail. Knowing that the end is in sight actually makes it harder to wait! But when you get to this stage you are almost there. Throw yourself into deciding what to wear to homecoming, making plans with your guy for after homecoming and such and so forth!
Just in general... Know that you will have bad days throughout! I found that the harder I fought the bad days the stronger they became. If I would find a quite, safe place, sit back, take a deep breath and let the worry, anxiety, loneliness, wash over me, that it would often times simply pass right through and I could get on with my day.
Some tips I found helpful: create rituals around the passing of time. I had a standing dinner out with my girlfriends the first of every month to celebrate making it through another month.
My desk drawer at work looked like a cross between a Hallmark store and a post office. It was full of note cards and envelopes and stamps and such. Every time I felt like it, I wrote him a note. My husband said that every single time they got a mail plane, he got something.
I decided not to count down at the beginning, that only made me feel worse. I only counted up until half way and then I started counting down.
Be very careful watching the news. It’s easy to get freaked out. I use to shoo people away from my desk when they started talked about stuff like that.
Be very careful of the rumors that will start to fly around! Don’t believe anything until a high up person says it! You’ll go crazy if you believe every rumor that flies around.
But most importantly, know that this too shall pass! Not only the deployment but the bad days and the hard times. Try to see this time as a time to invest in you and not just a time to "get through". And you’ll be surprised how much stronger you and your relationship can be through these hard times!
Good luck honey!
bonnie
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Once a Navy Girl, Always a Navy Girl
I wrote this back in March of '07. We were about 6 months into Jay's 8 month deployment. I figured I would archive it here too in case there are any military significant others reading.
Well, my sailor and I have been together for what will be a year in May. And we will be able to say that during our first year together we spent a grand total of 7 days in the same state and for 8 months of that we weren't even in the same country! But that's the life of a Navy girl. HOORAH! I found myself sharing the things I've learned over this deployment with someone the other day and I figured it would be a good idea to blog it.
It's hard sometimes because it seems like a lot of this information isn't out there. It is via word of mouth but there are relatively few books on military relationships and the ones that are out there are usually bured in the "military history" sections of the bookstores or something equally stupid. So every military significant other has to invent the wheel again.
So here goes....The most important things I've learned over the last year...
1) TIME!!! It does get easier! The memories fade and as hard as that is in itself it also helps a lot. The first few weeks of a separation are the hardest, when you can still feel his hands and his kiss and smell his cologne. Then after that you just end up having a few hard days here and there.
2) STAY BUSY!!! OMG, a weekend job where I do something i enjoy has been my lifesaver! Volunteer your time with an organization you enjoy (or that would help you get some kind of experience) or anything to help you feel like this time is productive for YOU and not just a time to spin your wheels and wait on him.
3) FIND FRIENDS!!! My myspace navy girls are my life line! They are the only people who truly and actually DO UNDERSTAND! There are a million groups! Keep looking until you find one with girls you feel comfortable with and who you have something in common with besides the military. And keep in mind that there are crazy people everywhere so don't get discouraged if the first few you meet you don't click with. There's nothing like being able to text message or IM someone in the middle of the night when you just don't feel like you can do this one more moment and have them say, YES YOU CAN! (You guys are AWESOME!!! Thank you all for everything you've done for me over these past months! NAVY GIRLIES ROCK! See y'all on the pier!)
5) Be positive! We all need our occasional pity party but keeping a positive attitude and surrounding yourself with other girls with positive attitudes will help immensely! You need people who when you're having a hard day will help pick you up instead of seeing it as an excuse to wallow as well!
4) There are a few books out there... Separated by Duty is one although I found it to be a little religious with a hint of anti-feminism (but that could just be my hyper-sensitive women's study minor talking and the older I get the more I realized that the answer to EVERYTHING is balance). ;-) http://www.survivingdeployment.com/ is a great website and really helped me deal with some of the sleeplessness issues I was having.
5) Give yourself permission to do whatever makes you feel better when you're having a bad day (within reason and legality of course! Hehe!) Buy as many Proud Military Girlfriend/Wife/Fiance shirts as you want if that makes you feel better. Sleep in his shirt, or under a blanket of his. Wear his cologne (I do that all the time! hehe!), get a bumper sticker. Anything that helps you feel connected to him.
But most of all understand that if your guy is worth it, you can handle anything and everything that's thrown your way. It's going to be hard and there are going to be moments where you don't think you can put one foot in front of the other, but in the end, when you're standing there watching his ship or his plane or his bus pull in, you'll forget all of it and only remember how much you love him. And you will be more grateful for him, for your relationship, for y'all's love then the vast majority of the people in the entire world will ever experience. That sense of gratefulness is the absolute most amazing thing I've gained from this experience! The only thing I hope for, is that in 20 years I have the same sense of awe... the same feeling of overwhelming gratefulness to have Jeremy in my life that I do right now and that I expect to have the day I stand there on that pier and watch that carrier pull in!
thanks y'all,
bonnie
GO NAVY!! HOORAH!!!
Well, my sailor and I have been together for what will be a year in May. And we will be able to say that during our first year together we spent a grand total of 7 days in the same state and for 8 months of that we weren't even in the same country! But that's the life of a Navy girl. HOORAH! I found myself sharing the things I've learned over this deployment with someone the other day and I figured it would be a good idea to blog it.
It's hard sometimes because it seems like a lot of this information isn't out there. It is via word of mouth but there are relatively few books on military relationships and the ones that are out there are usually bured in the "military history" sections of the bookstores or something equally stupid. So every military significant other has to invent the wheel again.
So here goes....The most important things I've learned over the last year...
1) TIME!!! It does get easier! The memories fade and as hard as that is in itself it also helps a lot. The first few weeks of a separation are the hardest, when you can still feel his hands and his kiss and smell his cologne. Then after that you just end up having a few hard days here and there.
2) STAY BUSY!!! OMG, a weekend job where I do something i enjoy has been my lifesaver! Volunteer your time with an organization you enjoy (or that would help you get some kind of experience) or anything to help you feel like this time is productive for YOU and not just a time to spin your wheels and wait on him.
3) FIND FRIENDS!!! My myspace navy girls are my life line! They are the only people who truly and actually DO UNDERSTAND! There are a million groups! Keep looking until you find one with girls you feel comfortable with and who you have something in common with besides the military. And keep in mind that there are crazy people everywhere so don't get discouraged if the first few you meet you don't click with. There's nothing like being able to text message or IM someone in the middle of the night when you just don't feel like you can do this one more moment and have them say, YES YOU CAN! (You guys are AWESOME!!! Thank you all for everything you've done for me over these past months! NAVY GIRLIES ROCK! See y'all on the pier!)
5) Be positive! We all need our occasional pity party but keeping a positive attitude and surrounding yourself with other girls with positive attitudes will help immensely! You need people who when you're having a hard day will help pick you up instead of seeing it as an excuse to wallow as well!
4) There are a few books out there... Separated by Duty is one although I found it to be a little religious with a hint of anti-feminism (but that could just be my hyper-sensitive women's study minor talking and the older I get the more I realized that the answer to EVERYTHING is balance). ;-) http://www.survivingdeployment.com/ is a great website and really helped me deal with some of the sleeplessness issues I was having.
5) Give yourself permission to do whatever makes you feel better when you're having a bad day (within reason and legality of course! Hehe!) Buy as many Proud Military Girlfriend/Wife/Fiance shirts as you want if that makes you feel better. Sleep in his shirt, or under a blanket of his. Wear his cologne (I do that all the time! hehe!), get a bumper sticker. Anything that helps you feel connected to him.
But most of all understand that if your guy is worth it, you can handle anything and everything that's thrown your way. It's going to be hard and there are going to be moments where you don't think you can put one foot in front of the other, but in the end, when you're standing there watching his ship or his plane or his bus pull in, you'll forget all of it and only remember how much you love him. And you will be more grateful for him, for your relationship, for y'all's love then the vast majority of the people in the entire world will ever experience. That sense of gratefulness is the absolute most amazing thing I've gained from this experience! The only thing I hope for, is that in 20 years I have the same sense of awe... the same feeling of overwhelming gratefulness to have Jeremy in my life that I do right now and that I expect to have the day I stand there on that pier and watch that carrier pull in!
thanks y'all,
bonnie
GO NAVY!! HOORAH!!!
Public Service Announcement: New Charlotte Store, Paper Source, Will Literally Sucks Money From Your Walet
It is important for the public to know that now that Paper Source has opened a brick and mortor store, here in Charlotte, you may find money dissapearing from your bank account. Please do not panic! This can be explained by your beloved paper crafter finding the Holy Grail of paper crafting supply stores. For a paper crafter, walking into this store is like walking into a back packing outfitter for an avid outdoorsman!
Drumroll please...
I now introduce to you Charlotte's own Paper Source at Phillips Place.
(image curtesy of paper-source.com)
And since this blog title involves money being sucked from walets, let me show you some of the stuff I've gotten so far.
This is my entire loot from the first trip. There have been three (strike that four) trips now, and I've gotten to the point that I'm so excited when I come home that I'm like, "screw cleaning off the table and taking cool pictures! I want to play with my stuff!" So, unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all the wonderful stuff I've gotten. I know you're really upset. I can hear the muffled sobs from here. ;-)
This is some of the wonderful paper that I got. This was purchased specifically to make a Happy Anniversary banner for Dan and Shannon's first anniversary. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the finished product before I gave it to them. But take heart! I'm making a similiar thing for us tomorrow and will certainly be taking pics of that!
This is an envelope template which allows you to make envelops in all different standard sizes out of anything... craft paper, the comics, wrapping paper, your old high school year book, your ex boyfriends letters where he reveals his deepest love for you right before dumping you for someone thinner, blonder, and dumber (well, maybe not that last one but you get the idea!)
This right here is some of the best $10 I've ever spent! It's a little sticker maker. You put your paper in one side, pull the tape out from under and when you peel the cover off and peel up your paper, it's not got adhesive on the back and can be stuck anywhere. I know some girls who have done their entire multi-layered inviations with the larger version of this machine, but for stuff that large I prefere my double stick tape. But for little tiny stuff like, stuff that's too small to tape, this machine is a god send!
This my friends is a bone folder! (Except that it's not actually made out of bone, but tefflon. Bone makes things shinny when you score then and this doesn't.) I really wish I'd had this baby when we were making all of our wedding programs. Folding that heavy cardstock would have been a breeze with this baby. Oh well, the blister scars are a nice reminder. (just kidding, I don't have any scars. Not from that project at least!)
Now let me introduce you to my glue pen and the best glitter in the world! This stuff does wonders! I wish I had a picture of the holiday tree ornament that I used it on. All I did was draw over a specific part of the pattern in the paper with the glue pen, then covered the whole thing in glitter. Once all the excess glitter was shaken off it just enhanced the pattern of the paper. Now it is very important that you be very careful with glitter! I can get very out of hand very quickly, and I mean both all over your house and totally gaaaawwwwwdddddyyyyyy!!!! So, use sparingly and only as an accent!
Finally, we have a beautiful round punch. I have long known the virtures of shaped punches, especially round since I can't cut a straight line let alone a circle! We used them non-stop during our wedding preparations. But this one is just perfect for those small project. This will eventually be used to make stir stick toppers for drinks for a party I will throw in the future. And when combined with the Xeron sticker making machine, it's a miracle!
Actually, I fell so in love with the punch and sticker combo that I had to purchase another punch.
I mean how awesome is that!
I've gotten a bunch more cool things, but like I said, I've forgotten to take pictures of them. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to upload some of the projects I've been doing with these great tools, because I promise they have not just been sitting around the house collecting dust.
But I will leave you with one of the small projects I've done. These are the tags I used on the chocolate covered pretzles I made for everyone in my office. I was able to use the new, wonderful stamp I bought. Once I started looking at them, I realized that they made nice simple tree ornaments, and nice gift tags, so I will probably make more and put them on all our gifts this year.
So, what crafty things are you doing this holiday season? I'd love to hear! If you're blogging about your exploits, then simply place a link in the comments so we can all go check them out!
Drumroll please...
I now introduce to you Charlotte's own Paper Source at Phillips Place.
(image curtesy of paper-source.com)
And since this blog title involves money being sucked from walets, let me show you some of the stuff I've gotten so far.
This is my entire loot from the first trip. There have been three (strike that four) trips now, and I've gotten to the point that I'm so excited when I come home that I'm like, "screw cleaning off the table and taking cool pictures! I want to play with my stuff!" So, unfortunately, I don't have pictures of all the wonderful stuff I've gotten. I know you're really upset. I can hear the muffled sobs from here. ;-)
This is some of the wonderful paper that I got. This was purchased specifically to make a Happy Anniversary banner for Dan and Shannon's first anniversary. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of the finished product before I gave it to them. But take heart! I'm making a similiar thing for us tomorrow and will certainly be taking pics of that!
This is an envelope template which allows you to make envelops in all different standard sizes out of anything... craft paper, the comics, wrapping paper, your old high school year book, your ex boyfriends letters where he reveals his deepest love for you right before dumping you for someone thinner, blonder, and dumber (well, maybe not that last one but you get the idea!)
This right here is some of the best $10 I've ever spent! It's a little sticker maker. You put your paper in one side, pull the tape out from under and when you peel the cover off and peel up your paper, it's not got adhesive on the back and can be stuck anywhere. I know some girls who have done their entire multi-layered inviations with the larger version of this machine, but for stuff that large I prefere my double stick tape. But for little tiny stuff like, stuff that's too small to tape, this machine is a god send!
This my friends is a bone folder! (Except that it's not actually made out of bone, but tefflon. Bone makes things shinny when you score then and this doesn't.) I really wish I'd had this baby when we were making all of our wedding programs. Folding that heavy cardstock would have been a breeze with this baby. Oh well, the blister scars are a nice reminder. (just kidding, I don't have any scars. Not from that project at least!)
Now let me introduce you to my glue pen and the best glitter in the world! This stuff does wonders! I wish I had a picture of the holiday tree ornament that I used it on. All I did was draw over a specific part of the pattern in the paper with the glue pen, then covered the whole thing in glitter. Once all the excess glitter was shaken off it just enhanced the pattern of the paper. Now it is very important that you be very careful with glitter! I can get very out of hand very quickly, and I mean both all over your house and totally gaaaawwwwwdddddyyyyyy!!!! So, use sparingly and only as an accent!
Finally, we have a beautiful round punch. I have long known the virtures of shaped punches, especially round since I can't cut a straight line let alone a circle! We used them non-stop during our wedding preparations. But this one is just perfect for those small project. This will eventually be used to make stir stick toppers for drinks for a party I will throw in the future. And when combined with the Xeron sticker making machine, it's a miracle!
Actually, I fell so in love with the punch and sticker combo that I had to purchase another punch.
I mean how awesome is that!
I've gotten a bunch more cool things, but like I said, I've forgotten to take pictures of them. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to upload some of the projects I've been doing with these great tools, because I promise they have not just been sitting around the house collecting dust.
But I will leave you with one of the small projects I've done. These are the tags I used on the chocolate covered pretzles I made for everyone in my office. I was able to use the new, wonderful stamp I bought. Once I started looking at them, I realized that they made nice simple tree ornaments, and nice gift tags, so I will probably make more and put them on all our gifts this year.
So, what crafty things are you doing this holiday season? I'd love to hear! If you're blogging about your exploits, then simply place a link in the comments so we can all go check them out!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas ... Threw up all over our house!
It's is truly the holiday season around The Stafford house!
For years I have avoided and boycotted the holidays. Growing up in my family, the holidays were not a fun time. My mom suffered from seasonal affect disorder and went through deep depression during the holiday season. On top of that, my parents had a rocky marriage for as long as I can remember. Nether of my parents had enjoyable family holiday memories from their families of origin. Not to mention the stress of the holidays did nothing good for my dad's bipolar disorder. There was often struggles between whether we went to see family for Christmas and if we did, which ones and when. There is one famous Christmas when my dad's parents came down. My dad and his dad got into a HUGE blowout argument and they ended up leaving early.
So, coming out of that I married into the family from hell (for many reasons, and I'll spare you all the gory stories) when it came to the holiday season. My ex-husband's father and his wife were awesome. They were flexible, and understood that we had 4 families that had to be visited. But his mom and mom's mom had no such understanding. We were required to be at the grandmother's house for Christmas morning to eat and open presents. No matter what!!!!! It was so stressful, that one Christmas morning I actually took a Xanix just to try and stay calm through the whole thing.
So, now, three holiday season into my relationship with my wonderful husband, it seems I have finally found a place of peace and joy when it comes to the holidays. The decorating, the baking, the gift giving, have all been overwhelmingly enjoyable. And I am just expecting it to get better and better.
Here's what I have pictures of so far...
The entrance decorations re-using the shepherd crooks that Wes McCarley made us for the wedding.
Our beautiful wreath, which I love so much!
And the back porch decorations I made out of a bunch of misc. pine branches bought at a wonderful price at the tree selling place.
Stay tuned for more inside decorations. Hopefully tomorrow. But for tonight, I'm wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. May it be not only merry and bright, but peaceful and stress free.
For years I have avoided and boycotted the holidays. Growing up in my family, the holidays were not a fun time. My mom suffered from seasonal affect disorder and went through deep depression during the holiday season. On top of that, my parents had a rocky marriage for as long as I can remember. Nether of my parents had enjoyable family holiday memories from their families of origin. Not to mention the stress of the holidays did nothing good for my dad's bipolar disorder. There was often struggles between whether we went to see family for Christmas and if we did, which ones and when. There is one famous Christmas when my dad's parents came down. My dad and his dad got into a HUGE blowout argument and they ended up leaving early.
So, coming out of that I married into the family from hell (for many reasons, and I'll spare you all the gory stories) when it came to the holiday season. My ex-husband's father and his wife were awesome. They were flexible, and understood that we had 4 families that had to be visited. But his mom and mom's mom had no such understanding. We were required to be at the grandmother's house for Christmas morning to eat and open presents. No matter what!!!!! It was so stressful, that one Christmas morning I actually took a Xanix just to try and stay calm through the whole thing.
So, now, three holiday season into my relationship with my wonderful husband, it seems I have finally found a place of peace and joy when it comes to the holidays. The decorating, the baking, the gift giving, have all been overwhelmingly enjoyable. And I am just expecting it to get better and better.
Here's what I have pictures of so far...
The entrance decorations re-using the shepherd crooks that Wes McCarley made us for the wedding.
Our beautiful wreath, which I love so much!
And the back porch decorations I made out of a bunch of misc. pine branches bought at a wonderful price at the tree selling place.
Stay tuned for more inside decorations. Hopefully tomorrow. But for tonight, I'm wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. May it be not only merry and bright, but peaceful and stress free.
I was tagged by Wife of the Party (Jess) for a little get-to-know-you-better Christmas fun. I'm tagging The Clevingers. Have fun with it.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper absolutely! My mom and I always try to out do each other with the wrapping job.
2. Real tree or artificial?
My family has almost always had a real tree. A couple of years we had a fake on and I wined and moaned about it the whole time. I just don't see the point. The smell and feel of the real tree is what's important. So, in sort, I only believe in real trees!
3. When do you put up the tree?
This year we bought it and put it up on Thanksgiving. I think that'll probably be our family tradition from now on.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Sometime around New Years. But if it were me, I'd probably leave it up all year because I just love it so much!
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not a big fan. Might drink a little bit if someone offered, but I'd never buy any myself. And those eggnog lattes that starbucks sells are just wrong!
6. Favorite gift as a child?
The year the Tickle Me Elmos came out, I wanted one really bad, but they were all sold out and expensive (my parents were in a really bad financial situation). So, my baby brother took his allotted $5 mom and dad gave him to spend on me and got me a small key chain sized Elmo head that laughs when you push him. It meant so much to me because he had found a way to get me something I really wanted. I still have it and it still cracks me up every time i hear it laugh!
7. Hardest person to buy for?
my brothers sometimes
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My mom!
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No. We have one when I was little, but as an agnostic, it's not really my thing.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
mail, if I can get them printed and in the mail. They're about to become New Years cards if I don't get on it!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I really can't think of anything. I think I blocked them all out!
12. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I'm an over achiever, so get it out of the way as soon as possible. Like, right now, I'm done.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not that I can imagine.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Fudge!
16. Lights on the tree?
Clear white only! The colored ones make me thing of little kids. We might have them when we have kids if they request it, but for me it's elegant clear white all the way!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Santa Baby, Carol of the Bells, and It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (although I only know the first line so I probably annoy Jay with it!)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
We'll be traveling early in the week of Christmas but will be home by the actual holiday.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Um... no.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star. Angels kind of kreep me out, and with trying to combine both my spirituality and jays, the star is the easiest way. Plus we have this totally cool minimalistic star!
21. When do you open presents?
Christmas day only. We never got to do the Christmas Eve thing.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
What is it about the holidays that make people completely stupid drivers! Drives me nuts!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
This year we're doing rustic. Homemade paper craft ornaments, twine, popcorn and cranberry strands.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
Ham, cream corn, green beans, and sweet potato casarole with pecans on top.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I'm hoping for a cricut machine but, I'll be extremely happy with anything crafting related!
26. What was the first gift of Christmas?
I'm not sure what the question is getting at. I think the "right" answer is Jesus but as an agnostic, I'm not sure.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper absolutely! My mom and I always try to out do each other with the wrapping job.
2. Real tree or artificial?
My family has almost always had a real tree. A couple of years we had a fake on and I wined and moaned about it the whole time. I just don't see the point. The smell and feel of the real tree is what's important. So, in sort, I only believe in real trees!
3. When do you put up the tree?
This year we bought it and put it up on Thanksgiving. I think that'll probably be our family tradition from now on.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Sometime around New Years. But if it were me, I'd probably leave it up all year because I just love it so much!
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not a big fan. Might drink a little bit if someone offered, but I'd never buy any myself. And those eggnog lattes that starbucks sells are just wrong!
6. Favorite gift as a child?
The year the Tickle Me Elmos came out, I wanted one really bad, but they were all sold out and expensive (my parents were in a really bad financial situation). So, my baby brother took his allotted $5 mom and dad gave him to spend on me and got me a small key chain sized Elmo head that laughs when you push him. It meant so much to me because he had found a way to get me something I really wanted. I still have it and it still cracks me up every time i hear it laugh!
7. Hardest person to buy for?
my brothers sometimes
8. Easiest person to buy for?
My mom!
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
No. We have one when I was little, but as an agnostic, it's not really my thing.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
mail, if I can get them printed and in the mail. They're about to become New Years cards if I don't get on it!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
I really can't think of anything. I think I blocked them all out!
12. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I'm an over achiever, so get it out of the way as soon as possible. Like, right now, I'm done.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not that I can imagine.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Fudge!
16. Lights on the tree?
Clear white only! The colored ones make me thing of little kids. We might have them when we have kids if they request it, but for me it's elegant clear white all the way!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Santa Baby, Carol of the Bells, and It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (although I only know the first line so I probably annoy Jay with it!)
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
We'll be traveling early in the week of Christmas but will be home by the actual holiday.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Um... no.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star. Angels kind of kreep me out, and with trying to combine both my spirituality and jays, the star is the easiest way. Plus we have this totally cool minimalistic star!
21. When do you open presents?
Christmas day only. We never got to do the Christmas Eve thing.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
What is it about the holidays that make people completely stupid drivers! Drives me nuts!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
This year we're doing rustic. Homemade paper craft ornaments, twine, popcorn and cranberry strands.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner?
Ham, cream corn, green beans, and sweet potato casarole with pecans on top.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I'm hoping for a cricut machine but, I'll be extremely happy with anything crafting related!
26. What was the first gift of Christmas?
I'm not sure what the question is getting at. I think the "right" answer is Jesus but as an agnostic, I'm not sure.
Monday, December 8, 2008
I know, I know, I know!
I'm the worst blogger in the world! I've left you all hanging for an entire week now without an update. Well I appologize! I've been a little under the weather lately, not so much physically as mentally. Plus work was really, really busy last week. But I'm totally coming out of the fog, and should have almost an entire day to myself on Thursday (assuming everything goes as planned at work today and tomorrow!) ::crosses fingers::
But just to give you a little preview of what is to come (hopefully on Thursday) here are a few blogs that will be making their debut appearance this week.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas... Threw Up All Over Our House
Breaking News: Crafting Glitter Takes Over Local Chalotte Man's Apartment
Public Service Announcement: New Charlotte Store, Paper Source, Will Literally Sucks Money From Your Walet
The Wonders of Decorating With Shot Glasses
So stay tuned... I promise you, it'll be worth the wait!
b
But just to give you a little preview of what is to come (hopefully on Thursday) here are a few blogs that will be making their debut appearance this week.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas... Threw Up All Over Our House
Breaking News: Crafting Glitter Takes Over Local Chalotte Man's Apartment
Public Service Announcement: New Charlotte Store, Paper Source, Will Literally Sucks Money From Your Walet
The Wonders of Decorating With Shot Glasses
So stay tuned... I promise you, it'll be worth the wait!
b
Monday, December 1, 2008
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
Well... not exactly. But All I Want for Christmas is a Cricut Machine just isn't as catchy of a song.
I know what you're asking... What in the hell is a Cricut Machine. Ah, my friend. Let me introduce you...
This is the one-and-only-never-duplicated-infinitely-amazing-crafter's-holy-grail Cricut Machine. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (did you hear the angels singing?)
I'll explain it first in Jay's words, "It looks like a printer, and smells like a printer, but amazingly it's not a printer." Yes, babe, you are exactly right, it's not a printer. In fact it's a die cut machine. So, the other day when I made a Happy Anniversary banner for Dan and Shannon's first wedding anniversary, it took me about an hour and some pretty major hand cramps to cut out all the letters. With this machine it would have taken a fraction of the time and absolutely no hand cramps.
Basically what happens is you get different cartridiges for the machine which are different font styles and shapes. Then you simply select the letter/number/shape you want, load the paper in the machine, push the button and WAAAALAAAAA! It is quite amazing! You can even get vinyl to put through and can make quotes and such to go on the wall.
They have quite a few different machines at quite a few price points. I'm certainly not expecting to get the mack daddy version nor is that one necessary for what I do. (Jay about had a corinary right there in the isle of Michaels when all they had was the mack daddy version bundled with multiple cartridiges. It totalled to almost SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!)
The one I'm looking at is the smallest version and cuts shapes from 1" to 5 1/2", it comes bundled with a basic font cartridge and a basic shapes cartridge and is about $188 depending on where you look.
Since Jay and I have set a spending limit of $50 for each of us, he won't be able to get it for me on his own. So, don't be surprised if Jay contacts some of you in the near future so see if you want to contribute to the Cricut. Other wise I'm just going to have him give me cash and I'll start saving for it.
Trust me though, once I get it, there will be plenty of blogs showing off all the wonderful things i can do with it! Speaking of, I have a bunch of blogs in the wings. I need to show you all the wonderful things I've gotten at Paper Source since it opened last weekend, and then Thursday we got our tree and ever since then I've been making ornaments for it as well as decorating the table, front entranceway, and back porch. Lots and lots of fun stuff to show off.
What's on your holiday gift list?
I know what you're asking... What in the hell is a Cricut Machine. Ah, my friend. Let me introduce you...
This is the one-and-only-never-duplicated-infinitely-amazing-crafter's-holy-grail Cricut Machine. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (did you hear the angels singing?)
I'll explain it first in Jay's words, "It looks like a printer, and smells like a printer, but amazingly it's not a printer." Yes, babe, you are exactly right, it's not a printer. In fact it's a die cut machine. So, the other day when I made a Happy Anniversary banner for Dan and Shannon's first wedding anniversary, it took me about an hour and some pretty major hand cramps to cut out all the letters. With this machine it would have taken a fraction of the time and absolutely no hand cramps.
Basically what happens is you get different cartridiges for the machine which are different font styles and shapes. Then you simply select the letter/number/shape you want, load the paper in the machine, push the button and WAAAALAAAAA! It is quite amazing! You can even get vinyl to put through and can make quotes and such to go on the wall.
They have quite a few different machines at quite a few price points. I'm certainly not expecting to get the mack daddy version nor is that one necessary for what I do. (Jay about had a corinary right there in the isle of Michaels when all they had was the mack daddy version bundled with multiple cartridiges. It totalled to almost SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS!)
The one I'm looking at is the smallest version and cuts shapes from 1" to 5 1/2", it comes bundled with a basic font cartridge and a basic shapes cartridge and is about $188 depending on where you look.
Since Jay and I have set a spending limit of $50 for each of us, he won't be able to get it for me on his own. So, don't be surprised if Jay contacts some of you in the near future so see if you want to contribute to the Cricut. Other wise I'm just going to have him give me cash and I'll start saving for it.
Trust me though, once I get it, there will be plenty of blogs showing off all the wonderful things i can do with it! Speaking of, I have a bunch of blogs in the wings. I need to show you all the wonderful things I've gotten at Paper Source since it opened last weekend, and then Thursday we got our tree and ever since then I've been making ornaments for it as well as decorating the table, front entranceway, and back porch. Lots and lots of fun stuff to show off.
What's on your holiday gift list?
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