Our life in six by twelve...

Our life fits in 6 feet by 12 feet. Yes, that's our life. Alright, fine- I am a exaggerating a little, but everyone we own fits in a uhaul trailer!

I rented a uhaul today for a "dry run". It was actually fun! I got to drive the trailer home by myself from uhaul, it was nice to get a feel for things before I embarrassed myself in front of anyone important. Well, it wasn't like that at all! I drove that sucker like a pro and my car handled the load even better. 930 miles here we come!!

I have spent the last few days trying to set up the utilities for the new house! Sooo much stress, but thanks to family (and a cheaper moving option) we are going to be able to pull it off with a few dollars to spare... well, more like more money for bills, but at least we will make it down there!

I am getting re motivated! Things seemed like they were impossible and it's especially hard when I don't get any letters during the week, but family has helped me find the light at the end of the tunnel (while still reminding me that this WILL NOT be easy).

I have enrolled for the University of Phoenix! Although I will only be taking general ed classes, I hope to be able to apply to nursing school when we get to our first duty station. I have applied for several different grants and got a sum of $8500 per semester! So, school is paid for! I just need to decide what I really want to do.

Cole is doing great! He is sick every few days with something new and everyday a new part of his body hurts, but he scored Expert or Sharpshooter two weeks ago on his BRM- aka Basic Rifle Marksmanship. He was set to get Archive and his DS (drill sergeant) knew he was going to get the perfect 40/40 score, but Cole's gun jammed and his missed 8 targets while trying to get the gun working again. Thanks Army, Thanks for the guns that jam...

He has taken 3 minutes off of his run time, has lost about 30 pounds, and has made battle buddies (friends) with a lot of the other guys in his platoon. He phased into Blue today, which means only three weeks left! Yay for three weeks! Ya can't beat the feeling!

Anyways, there isn't much to talk about tonight. It's late and I have my own pre-birthday party to attend to tomorrow and possibly a bowling tournament!

Goodnight someone, anyone?

The time is getting near...

35 days from today, I will be sitting with my soldier, in his ACU's, under a shady tree in the the hot summer sun...

Yep, that's the way I'd like to think of it! Every day I become more and more excited, motivated and totally ready to see him! I have been told that I am going through boot camp at the same time as Cole. I never really thought of it that way, but after he passed in to White Phase I feel like I phased as well. Days a shorter, brighter and I am constantly motivated to do new things, write longer letters and actually start packing!

Today, I am waiting on approval for a 2 bedroom house, with a large backyard in Huachuca City, Arizona. We already put a (refundable) deposit on an apartment, but if we really do find something better, then I'm sold!

I just 11 letters from Cole. YES, 11! I have been patiently waiting for 2 weeks and then I get them all at once! Holy Crap!! He is doing well!! So much to say, so hard to type.

He wants mexican food, candy, caffeine, gatorade, cheesecake, chocolate, popcorn, music and lots of attention. Who would blame him?! Me too!!! I think he is pregnant. Speaking of pregnant, he said he wants to have kids with me... good??? Shouldn't have we discussed this before we got married? I thought we had! Man... he MUST be lonely!!

His platoon is doing fantastic! He said other than all the specialized training, they are basically in Ranger boot camp. He said it's hard as hell and they hardly ever get an special privileges. They are what they are.

He sent me a dog tag! Sweetest gift ever! It gold and says "Private Property of a Soldier" with the Army emblem underneath. What a sweetheart! He also sent me a card, THE MOST PERFECT CARD! It said Happy Birthday, but he apologized and said he will do something better for my birthday (which is August 1st, 3 days before I get to see him- which will be the best present EVER!!).

He asked his Drill Sergeant if he could fly back with me to Arizona (they are suppose to ask permission), the DS says "Fuck you." and walked away. Poor Cole.

He seems WAY more motivated than I have ever seen him, more like himself now than he has been the last 5 weeks. I can't believe only 34 days left!! That a month and a few naps!!! The best part is, I will (hopefully) be so occupied with moving that time is going to fly by. In a way, it really has already. I mean it's JULY for cryin' out loud!

Someone wrote Cole an anonymous letter. Saying I had cheated on him and then apologized. WHO WOULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?! Anyone who knows Cole and I, KNOWS we are absolutely inseparable, absolutely IN LOVE and absolutely faithful. Honestly, if I happen to ever come across that person, I WILL rip their throat out. You don't do that. You just don't. So whoever it was is too young and immature for their own good or is way to jealous and shouldn't be wasting their time. I don't mean to be so... osfkhgwerhglkwejrgw;ergjk... but you NEVER threaten someone elses relationship for your own selfish needs. People like that have karma coming to them and God will take care of whatever is left.

Anyways, he is doing great! I am doing great! We are nearing what is the start to another new chapter in our lives, truly being married and living on our own. The Army has trained me well so far and I am so proud to be an Army Wife. Cole makes me happier than anything in the world and he is my hero.

Motivation.. What's that?!

This weeks word: Motivation.

It's a cool word and all, but why?

Because that's what life is. Finding that motivation and using it EVERYDAY. Cole is my motivation. And why wouldn't it be?! I figure I can look at it two ways- be excited for the days that have already gone by, or be discouraged by the days that seem like they are frozen in front of me.

Cole write to me telling me how inspired he is and how excited he is to see me. That's what keeps him going. Honestly, me too!! =] It's interesting how 25,000 miles can make you such a stronger person. Full of self-control, patience and courage.

I am moving to Sierra Vista, Arizona in a little over a month! July 18th if we want to get all specific now! I am SO excited! We are starting a life together!!! The challenge was- picking an apartment out of our three choices of complex's. Sounds easy? Close your eyes and point, right? But wait... that complex keeps nailing me with more and more "deposits" and "fees", while this other one is cheaper, smaller and less amenities, it's affordable! I vote affordability... and I am SURE Cole would feel the same way. So I decided on a one bedroom, one back 600 sq. ft. apartment. Simple.

What else is new? I am going to the gym!! Why? I'm "skinny" right? WRONG. I REFUSE to be the fat wife that my husband doesn't recognize when I see him on graduation day! I want to be that in-shape, fit woman who will get up every morning at 5am and run 3 miles with him! And... I don't want stomach flab nastiness. I refuse. The easy part is getting my legs and arms all muscular again. My legs already feel a 100's better, but I am still glaring at my "abs" in the mirror every morning.
So, the fitness plan? Gym everyday. Cardio for at least 20 min when using other machines in the same day or at least 40min with a good cool down and some ab work. CUT OUT ANY fast food. It's the devil. And then... slowly start cutting out unnecessary sugars. I feel like the Jamba Juice in front of me is too much sugar, but then I realize it's better than a Slurpee and I am taking baby steps to get to my goal. Oh! My goal! Run 3 miles and to look HOT for graduation! Haha.

I have been writing Cole everyday... and I mean EVERYDAY. Sometimes more than once a day!

As I was writing this, I got my first phone call from Cole. It was the most intense moment of my life pressing the answer button. It was like instant adrenaline! It was hard to talk for both of us... I scream "Hi Baby!" and he said "Hey babe!! I don't have much time so tell me EVERYTHING!". That was my highlight of the phone call. Jitters and trying to hold back tears and eventually all I could sputter by the end of the 7 min was "I am so sorry... I love you sooo much." He then yelled "Crap! I have to go! I love you too soo much!" *Click*. I just stood there with the phone to my ear crying my eyes out. All he could think about was stressing if everything at home was okay... IT"S OKAY!!! I PROMISE!!! Work on being a bad ass and not worrying so much! I wish I could just give him a hug, even a short one, so he would know it was all okay.

I guess I have to settle for letters for now. Those don't make me feel much better either. It takes a whole week to get them and even longer if the drill instructor decided to hold them awhile.

I have my plane ticket to go an see him!! I feel like it is so far away, but if I think about it right, I am only moving in a month!! And then once I get to Arizona, it is smoooooth sailing!!

Oh My Goodness!

It's been since May 3rd that I last updated... Let's see, what has happened since then? Oh! I know! Everything.

Let us start with "The Wedding". It was utterly fantastic. A true fairy tale! The rehearsal dinner was a blast. Everyone was so helpful and things were done so timely. All the boys came over for dinner afterward and we all devoured something like 9 pizzas. Cole and I hung out late and spent the night wishing we were already on our honeymoon.

The morning of the wedding came as well as the rain. But what a blessing! Cole and I had 9th grade english together Mr. Harris. The most interesting part of the whole semester was "The Heros' Journey". The journey begins with crossing the threshold into temptation and challenges. It's like a downwards spiral into to Hell. The world goes from known to unknown and the hero loses everything they ever had and ever were. Once the unknown is reached, the hero falls into the "Abyss" the most important part of the journey. Death of the old self occurs and then rebirth of a new hero. Rain is a symbol of rebirth and blessing, so that morning as it was pouring down rain, I knew Cole and I were thinking the same thing. We are doing the right thing. After the abyss the hero starts transforming, much like we have the past two weeks. We have transformed ourselves into spouses with long term goals and love that can never be broken. We then cross over into the known once again until we have to go through the heros journey again, but next time it will be together.



Now that my tangent is over, the wedding was beautiful. Like everyone always says, the wedding happened in a flash. One moment I was in my jeans and slipper watching the rain, the next I was standing at the alter looking into the eyes of the man that I cannot live without.

We had a short lived reception, full of awkward pictures and funky dances (mostly done by yours truly). We played our last song and headed out the front door. MISTAKE. I have NEVER... EVER, seen, tasted or felt so much bird seed in my life! It was in my EARS, my mouth, my boots, my dress and... EVERYWHERE. Total blast though and from what I heard the birds the next morning DEFINITELY appreciated it.

The honeymoon was our next stop. Oh, LORDY did we eat well! The first night was spent at the Meritage resort in South Napa (before the airport). It was beautiful! Probably my favorite hotel of any we have stayed in the last 2 months. Breakfast was then served in bed and was by far the tastiest breakfast I've ever had! We then headed down to Monterey where we stayed in the most luxurious waterfront hotel we had ever seen. 3 nights of fires in our personal fireplace, eating out at all the best restaurants, in room deep tissue massages and LOTS of warm bubble baths. I have never been so happy in my life.

But all honeymoons have to end, right? Most definitely. I will be the first to tell any woman out there, it's hard. Did we fight? Heck no!! It was much worse. 2 weeks and 1 day after our marriage, I had to say goodbye to the man I love, my best friend and my soul mate. Although it has been the plan since February, we still had to say goodbye. We spent the last 3 days together laughing, crying and not taking one moment for grantite. Time for him to leave came too soon. He sent me a message at 4am on May 25th (an hour earlier than intended) and said he had 3min to pack and get in the taxi and was headed for the airport. So much for getting dolled up! I was going for the 50's scene where the woman kisses her soldier and the world turns black and white... ha, right. So I scrambled to get ready and left my hotel. My room was only 8 miles from the airport, but the GPS got me lost and it took me 45min. I may not get to say goodbye... I then parked in Terminal A- Day Parking since B was closed and tried to find my way around the airport. Terminal A and B are NOT connected, go figure. I then had to go outside and find a tram that would take me to terminal B, all the while trying not to cry because I knew what was coming. I ran into the (correct) airport and gave him the biggest hug I could. We emptied the contents of my cute (11pm the night before) Walgreens gift bag full of goodies into his Army bag and headed towards security. All we could do the hold time was choke back tears and stare at each other. Once we reached the security check point the officer told me I had to leave. I have NEVER seen a man with the same look on his face like Cole did when he was about to say goodbye. It was like he was silently begging me to take his hand and we would both run somewhere that we could be together. I said goodbye and walked away from the security check point alone. I went outside and found the tram once again, trying to hold myself together. I probably looked like a crack head desperate for a fix, but I couldn't live with myself if I started balling in the middle of a crowded airline bus. I got in my car and waited. I waited for him to come running after to me, or to get in the car and buckle up like he always does, but he didn't. I just drove home, alone.

Not sure I should write anymore for tonight. There is plenty more stories to tell, but I feel like I'm just digging myself into a depressing hole.

Goodnight all!

30secs to Goodbye


Rehersal

6 days!

6 days until the wedding! Actually, 6 days until we will be leaving for our mystery honeymoon. Mystery honeymoon?! Yes. Couldn't resist. We love surprises.

So, we are in the final stretch! I, with the help of plenty of family and friends, have planned a wedding in exactly 4 weeks. Who can say they were capable of that?! Not only did we plan it in 4 weeks, but the final cost is under $5000 and I have been working nearly 40 hours a week. They should write a book about me (they being anyone aside from myself).

This week my schedule is full of appointments! Hair color/trim, final dress check, make/hair run through, nails, waxing, ring cleaning, dog boarding/bathing and well... that's not to mention all the phone calls I have to make to confirm vendors and deliveries...! Ah!

We got our engagement photos back today! How exciting! Alright I'll add one... since blogger is so darn easy to use anyways:

Ahh okay, that was too easy. One more! But that's it, I promise...



Sigh. What a life experience. Honestly, I will never feel the way I do right now. It'll never happen again... Can you believe that?! That really makes you want to make the best of things. I WILL remember this feeling for "as long as we both shall live", and I would hate to remember myself being upset and stressed the whole time. So, I vow to enjoy every second of it, not take it for granite and remember every detail so someday I can share my experience with my grandkids.

I feel rather productive tonight. I finished loading the wedding music on to my iPod as well as backing it up with regular CD's. I still have a ton to do though. I may be able to finish my bridal shower thank you's if I stay up late, but I have the day off tomorrow so let's not get overwhelmed.

Life is good. Love is beautiful. Anticipation is growing.


(alright... a few more pictures!!)

Two weeks...

Today is the 2 week mark for the wedding! Nerves are definitley getting to myself and I am sure Cole as well. Then again, I'm not too sure about his nerves... Him and the boys left for their dirt biking, 4-wheeling bachelor party up in Stonyford early yesterday morning. I have been unable to contact any of the guys yet, but I'm sure they had a blast.

Everything for the wedding is really coming together. We are running out of things to do pretty quick! We will be busy as heck the day before and that morning, but until then there isn't all that much to do. I wouldn't mind being finished with the planning, but it makes for a very boring day at work.

Right now, we are working on all the little "extras". Possible hotel room in Yountville the night of the wedding...? Trading the truck for a more economical car...? I don't know. Just trying to keep busy and make money anywhere possible. I'm pretty sure at this point if we had the wedding tomorrow, we are pretty prepared. Other than all the orders not being in, but I'm ready. Haha.

I have the opportunity to be car sales. Doesn't sound like I good plan to you? Well, hours would increase, I would be garunteed at least a $1500 a month salary and I'm going to have nothing but time after May 25th so I might as well stay as busy as possible. I only have to pay for a $55 license to be able to sell cars, ironically I can't afford to pay for the license that will potentially make me thousands more per month. Go figure.

Back on topic.. We met with Jermaine, the pastor from First Christian, the other day. I enjoted it. It was fun and challenging! Not sure if Cole felt the same way, but it wasnt all that bad. We still have to go back for more "marriage counseling" three more times, but I don't mind. As long as we can get it done by the 9th!

So, I have estimated about 3 hours spent editing and adding/removing from my Target Registry. Sounds useful, but not when I don't think anyone has actually looked at it yet. Haha, oh well. I can at least pretend like I want all those things, right?

The more I think about Cole leaving the more torn up I get. Just writing about it on here is tortuous. There is no turning back now. He is leaving and I'm going to have to deal with it. I guess I'll get use to writing a lot of letters and expecting very few, if any replies. I know he won't have time to write me, let alone be allowed to call. Seems to foreign. I went a whole day without talking to him and I feel lonely.... Oh well, gotta practice now!

Yep, it's actually happening!

Hear some rumors?? Oh, I bet you did!! And yes, they are probably true! Unless it was the one about me streaking... which is NOT true. Kidding... Anyways, the date IS set! May 9th!!! The location is for sure, the dress is done, the food is done, the flowers, decorations and well... almost everything!

I was really trying to put writing a blog entry until I knew for sure what was happening with the Army. Basically, I have been given the opportunity to join. Yes, all this time of fighting the system and I have finally won. But wait... I'm getting MARRIED. I will be a WIFE! Can I be a good wife to an Army husband and be in the Army as well? Can I?!? I'm starting to think no. I'm begininng to think that my priority will be staying safe and have a welcoming home to my Army man. Besides, through our benefits, I'll be able to go to college! I can be a nurse! Or a medic! Or... I don't know! Anything! So maybe it's a good trade. Being a wife and being educated. Honestly, I want nothing more than to be a wonderful wife and someone he is proud of.

So, I've finally been given the opportunity and now it is my decision to decline. Crazy, huh? All this time of fighting and I've found I have bigger priorities. Love changes life and life changes daily.

The wedding! Is going great! I am run absolutely ragged %90 of the day, but things are really coming together! I got to take beautiful pictures today with Mima (Judy) and Dove! The wedding dress pictures we definitely a struggle for me... it's hard to feel pretty and confident when your out of your element and needing to stay so still. The artsy, half-nude, american flag pictures were a ball! I LOVE them and I can't wait for Cole to see them.

Hunter and I are currently in the works of Cole's bachelor party! It's not a strip club, not hooters and not Vegas, but the boys will have a blast! Cheap too!
My party on the other hand is non-existant. I am having a bridal shower! But not a bachelorette party, which is totally fine. I am busy planning other things any how. I did win a "pampering party" through Davids Bridal/Mary Kay. They will be coming to my house Saturday night to give myself and my friends facials, hand and lip treatments. This is a party for my friends who can not be in the bridal party. I totally understand money restraints and I know it's hard for them to pay for dresses, so instead, a free party at home!!

Hmm, what else. We are still unsure of a photographer. If it's doable or even worth it. To me, it kinda is. I'd hate to not have those "once in a lifetime" photos, but I think we will survive. I probably only think that way because I am a photographer and obsessed with getting the "perfect picture".

As the wedding gets closer I am sure I will update more. I feel the need to vent more and more often...

OUCH!

 

I think something just hit me in the face!! Oh wait… no, no… It was just life…

I don’t really feel like blogging about everything tonight. I feel like I have already blog-blabbed enough to almost ruin things… Things are definitely moving forward with the Army and the wedding. Looks like both are happening.

Don’t get my wrong. I am EXCITED!!! But between a new high-stress job that has become full-time, trying to join the Army without getting disqualified for medical fraud and planning a wedding, things are getting HECTIC!! They are all things I want. Things I have always wanted, actually. I am so excited I think I am stressing myself out more. I am a person who feeds off of stress. Someone who needs stress to keep motivation. Well, here it is… a nice steaming platter of stress. I’m not going to lie. I enjoy it. Tasty.

So, the date is almost set. The budget is becoming more of a sad reality and less of a fantasy and there seems like every second I eliminate a costly factor another 10 factors weasel their way in.

We have a location, which is great! I am excited about it. I think we are going to end up having to conduct the ceremony inside, which is not really what I had ever had in mind, but due to budget restraints and a desolate location, indoors is best.

I have so many ideas that are flowing, but I’d hate to spoil the surprise for everyone. Oh, come on? Tell you? Well… okay!

No. I don’t want to speak to soon and I don’t want to ruin such a big, beautiful experience for all my lovely, honored guests!

Cole and I had a discussion today about registering at maybe one store. He first had to ask what a registry was and once I explained he got to run around the store with a scan gun the look on his face at least seemed like he was increasingly interested… We have yet to register and still aren’t sure whether we will. Cole leaves May 25th and I will most likely leave shortly after. Neither of us will be done with school until December where we will then move onto post and have most everything provided. So, what is there to register for? I have no clue.

I have been looking around at honeymoon locations and discovered out of the country is not an option. I don’t have a passport. And since the wedding is so close there is no way I could obtain one. So, next option? Yosemite!!! Oh wait.. they book a year in advance. Hmm… maybe Monterey?? Oh! I possibility! There are plenty of things to do in Monterey! So, that is my tentative plan, but I am sure something will come up and we will be back where we started.

I do need to get something clear. VERY clear. There have been rumors spreading around that the only reason I am joining the Army and getting married is because I am jealous of my sister, Ashley and the fact she just had her baby. First of all, for those who know me well, know that I have always thought of the military as being my first choice for a career. I have always dreamed of making a difference in the world we live in and couldn’t think of a better way than to serve in the U.S Armed Forces.

Second, I love Cole. Anyone who has seen us together can understand that. We are inseparable, indescribable, best friends, lovers and sole mates. We are not together to make heads turn, we aren’t together to prove something, we are together for the same reason that you and your spouse are today, love. Love, trust, loyalty, faithfulness, caring, understanding and Cole really is the best friend I have ever had.

Third, I feel no reason to be jealous of my sister. I love her daughter with all my heart, but I know how hard it is for Ashley to balance life between her own parents, grandparents, Andrew, friends and keeping herself sane. I love Ashley and that’s why I am not jealous of her. I am happy for her.

So, if you want, feel free to call me jealous and immature, but I am trying to start a life for myself and Cole that many do not have the opportunity to do. I want to do things right, as he does and we want to honor those who have helped us a long the way.

OH GOODNESS! This has become WAY longer and in depth than I ever imagined. I am tired and speaking from the sleepy part of my heart. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, demanding or rude, but I am sure as any bride can understand, life it getting CRAZY. 

Building a Life

It's amazing to finally be in the position I have always, always dreamed of. It's so close I can taste it, but far enough away I am scared to jump to fast...

I found out last Wednesday that I am eligible to go to MEPS. It was the most exciting news I had heard in months. Not only am I eligible, my test score was high enough for me to obtain any job, including the available medic position.
I am currently waiting on my "dirty prescreen" which means I went and got every document ever written on my elbow from the last year and a very detailed letter from my doctor saying my elbow has no issues and will not have any future hinderance. After my dirty prescreen comes back on Wednesday I will be eligible to go to MEPS Thursday/Friday. I will have a orthopedist look at my elbow while I am there and if he is unsure whether I am fit for service or not I will then go to a "consult" and speak to an Army hired civilian doctor, he will then decide whether I am disqualified or eligible for service.

So, hopefully by this time next week I will be sworn into the Army as a medic, leaving for BCT (basic combat training) August 30th, 2010.

Now, more news. Depending on what the Army says (whether or not I am ready) Cole and I are planning the wedding. If I get sworn in we will be gettieng married May 9th. Yes, MAY 9TH!! Which would make it 3 weeks from the time we know for sure. If I am not accepting and I am temporarily disqualified from enlisting we will wait until he returns from BCT in early August.

Is this a dream or what?? Military, Medic, Mariage... it really is. I just hope things continue working out for us.

The Davids Bridal $99 dress sale ends tomorrow and since I worked everday this weekend Misty, my dad and Lindsey took my there Friday night. I had a VERY hard time deciding between two dresses. It's really hard to pick a dress that doesn't fit. It killed me, but at the same time, it may have been the only reason I liked it. I don't think it mattered either way, I am definitley happy with my choice, but I think I would have been happy either the way. So I DO need to get it altered to fit. The other dress I was looking at was $399, but it didn't need to be altered or changed in anyway. The dress I bought only cost $99, but it does need to be taken in a little. So it was a toss up either way, I'm sure the price will end up being the same either way.

Other than my dress, I haven't gotten anything! I have been speaking with the cake decorator the past two days trying to find something in my "western, american, army" theme I am going for, but I am sure I will go with something very traditional.

My plan for the wedding:

4pm- Guest arrive for a pre-ceremony outdoor bbq with Cole and I before preparing ourselves for the ceremony (guests are welcome to arrive even earlier to play with horses in the arena and trail course at the Napa Valley Horsemans)
7:30pm- As the sun begins to set we will begin our outdoor ceremony
8:00pm- Guests will go inside after ceremony the hall at the Horsemans and enjoy coffee, dessert, cake, karaoke, music, alcohol, etc.
The End!

So, I am hoping I can do this all VERY low budget. Right now Cole and I can't even afford to get rings, so instead of asking for wedding gifts, we are going to ask for people to help us set up for the wedding! If your good with flowers, sound systems, setting up chairs, organizing a food line for a bbq or even cooking hotdogs and hamburgers let me know!

We have no honeymoon planned. We figure the money is better spent on our guests experience at our wedding and making sure we are able to afford what we already have planned.

I have ALWAYS wanted to have a "Lion Dance" at my wedding. It is Chinese tradition. I understand I am not Chinese... I know I know, but it something that I have always watched and I have always wanted to be a part of my life. I found a group in S.F. that will do the dance for $1000, so my next months pay checks will go towards saving for the dance. Maybe they give military discounts...?

Finally some good news!

So, there is a lot of good news!
First, we had a wonderful trip up to Tahoe! It was the first trip to Tahoe and the most we have ever been together around family. It was great! We went to the snow park our first full day and had a blast. We went down the hill dozens of times with our discs and sleds. Later that day we went back to the cabin, took a nap, picked up our ski's and snowboard's and headed baack to the cabin for pulled pork. The hot tub was nice and toasty so after a nice soak we headed up to bed.
Sunday we got up at 7am to head out to the slopes! I think I love skiing more than I love driving! Well... almost. I had a fantastic time! I had never skiied before and it was a great experience. I hardly fell and was able to keep up speed most of the time. Cole on the other hand made it down the 2.5 mile run twice before falling hard enough that he was done for the day.
We left to Sierra at Tahoe around 3:30 and were able to leave the cabin packed and headed for home by 5:15pm. It was a great trip! Copper was a fantastic puppy and loved the snow.

So, lets back track. I finally got the job at Fairfield Toyota! It's my second week and even though the days are long I have gotten a lot of responsibility and it makes me feel all the time I put in is really worth it in the end. I should be making $1200 a month which is about $1000 more than I was making at the Wine Train. My job is great, I stay busy half the time and the other half I am able to find something to do. I get paid every week, which will be nice to be able to afford gas, food and work clothes during the week.

I discovered yesterday that Cole and I could get married on the field after he graduated basic training! That would be such a dream for me! Being able to watch him graduate and get married all in the same day while being on the east coast. I have never been to the east coast! He is just as excited as I am which is totally refreshing.

I'm trying to think of what else is new... life is pretty good right now and I only have hopes that the future remains bright as well!

It’s been awhile!

 

It has definitely been awhile since my last update. I feel so behind! Cole is at work right now, so I figure I had better update while I have the opportunity.

Lets start with the most recent Army update:

Cole isn’t exactly ready to go to boot camp tomorrow, I will say that much. Although he is becoming increasingly active, he has yet to go to the gym. As much as I would like to go with him, I honestly can’t afford it. I know I could really motivate him and keep him interested in going to the gym, but we really have to get down there and actually do it. Because he is joining I get a free one week pass, which is awesome, but I know as soon as it’s over I’ll be kicking myself wishing I could afford to keep going.

Me and the Army? Isn’t going so well. Or… really isn’t going at all! My elbow got infected. I had been seeing the physical therapist twice a week, the chiropractor three times a week and I still managed to make it worse. Broken, two surgeries and an infection later it seems like it is never going to work out. And now I am REALLY kicking myself for requesting a second surgery.

Now, what’s new in life? Well… there is a new truck! Thank goodness. I sold the Jeep and I am working on getting it smogged for the guy (aka friend), which isn’t how I planned to spend my weekend, but it needed to be done no matter if I kept it or not. My new truck? Ooooh, that’s right. It is fiiinneee… 2001 Dodge 1500, V8, ex-fish and game truck, search light, nice big body and tires, AC and heater, back seat with half doors and is really my dream truck, aside from the 10mpg on the freeway, but I am not complaining. It is reliable and gooood lookin’!

                    

What else is new? Meet Copper! I had been talking about getting a dog to bring with me to Arizona and I went and got him! He is a fantastic little yellow lab. Super mellow, smart and handsome if I may say so myself. We decided to drive up to Oroville (Chico area) after looking at a rat terrier and not being convinced he was “the one”. We left Napa at 5pm, arrived in Oroville at about 8pm and it was love at first sight. He is very social and playful, but I can trust him alone when I leave for a few hours to run errands. Great pup and I can’t wait for him and I to be best friends.

                   

I got hired at Toyota in Fairfield! I will be a receptionist and answer phones and input data. I think I will enjoy it. I was suppose to start last Monday, but the drug test company lost my pee. Irony. So I had to go and retake the test. Hopefully, I will be able to start tomorrow!

As far as Maverick goes, I feel like I haven’t spent enough time with him lately. As soon as I am doing “relaxing” (writing my blog) I plan to go out and trot/lope him for the first time today. Cole is at work. Which is a little nerve racking, but I’m sure Mr. Studdly will do great. He is a smart horse with a lot of energy, he just doesn’t know where to use it yet.

                      

Other than the “new” updates, Cole and I are doing fantastic. There is constantly new life challenges thrown at us, we have yet to have any serious problems and I have no doubt we will make it through anything! We spent a few hours at Marine World.. or… “Discovery Kingdom” yesterday and had a blast. I never realized Cole was afraid of heights, but he was a trooper and rode everything with me!

We are going to Tahoe this coming weekend for 3+ nights. I am going to surprise him  and take him to Sierra at Tahoe. He doesn’t think we can afford it, but I have pulled a few strings and it looks like it is allll good!

Just waiting for now…

So he got sworn in! I got to watch it all happen =] It was a little… WOW. I guess. I was the only significant other in the room (there were 11 other draftee’s) so when it was time for them to go give their mom/dad/girlfriend a hug and a kiss the General pointed at me and everyone watched me get teary eyed as I gave him a hug and a kiss.

So, what now? We wait. And wait. And… wait. He leaves on May 23rd (ish) and goes to Ft. Jackson and then I will see him graduate (on my birthday!) and then we will both fly to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona where we will be living for 5 months before put on post. He will be in barracks the first 11-12 weeks and I will be living in a small house alone… Well, preferably with a dog. I have been looking around at different types and if the temporary landlord allows it, I would like a German Shepherd pup.

I am starting to sell my things on eBay, which is kind of crazy yet liberating. It’s nice to get rid of stuff I will never use… It’s funny, our finances have kind of meshed. We definitely keep money aside for our own personal things, but since we spend 12+ hours together we just pool our money and buy the necessities.  

  

So, I got a horse! For those who don’t know. His name is Maverick. It has for sure added another aspect to our relationship and I really enjoy it. I am overjoyed when Cole comes out on a daily basis to see me work with the horse. Although, he often denies it, I think Cole enjoys being outside with Maverick.

I am REALLY trying to get a job. I have had over a half dozen interviews the past 7-days and I am getting desperate for a full time job. My jeep is about to die and I know it… Actually, I’ve known that for a long time. It’s gone a year past what we all were “hoping” it’d make it to. So hopefully a full time job will allow me to make car payments and allow me to save money for rent on my temporary home in the desert.

My elbow is healing GREAT! I started physical therapy on Monday and I have another appointment tomorrow at 11am. I’m not going to say I enjoy therapy… Actually, I HATE it, but if it leaves my options open, as far as the Army, then it’s worth it.

Life is good. I really love Cole and I love every moment together. He understands my mood changes and doesn’t (usually…) have a problem with them. He is a joker and I am the serious one. Hard for you to believe? Well, I guess I’ve always been like that, particularly around friends when we all hang out or go camping.

On a daily basis I am thinking of things I am going to need when I DO leave California.

1. A dog- for my personal safety and sanity for the weekdays Cole isn’t home.

2. Things people need when they move out?- The house is mostly furnished, but I am SO not into using someone else's sheets and towels. Ew.

3. A plane ticket/hotel room for Jackson, South Carolina- this I am hoping family gets together and helps me out with for my birthday. That’d be nice. I AM going to see him graduate. Even if I have to ride Maverick the whole way.

I guess at this point I’d take any advice and help I can get!

Oh, ha… forgot to mention marriage. Soooo… there is a SMALL chance we might get married at Catalina in March. I mean SMALL chance. If not, we will get married after he graduates (most likely in Arizona) and then have a wedding sometime after we are done in Arizona.

I think I covered everything for tonight!

Well… that puts a damper on things…

So surgery went well! I am currently sitting at home whole Cole is sitting in a hotel in Sacramento waiting to be sworn in tomorrow. He took his actual ASVAB test about 4 hours ago and scored a 77! Fantastic score! The recruiters said that people always end up scoring better on the actual test than on the practice test, I guess they weren’t kidding. I’m pretty excited for him, actually super excited. I got the day off of work tomorrow so I can go and video him taking the oath.

So, what’s the bad part? My elbow is healed. Right?! Well, I have a doctors appointment tomorrow morning, but regardless of what he says, the Army makes me wait 90-days after surgery to be able to go to MEPS and continue on with boot camp.

WHY DID I HAVE TO GET SURGERY?!

I hate myself right now for that, but… things happen for a reason and I just have to keep telling myself that. I tried to convince Cole that I should get a dog and not go to boot camp… he didn’t go for it. He wants me to go to boot camp too, he knows it’s what I want and he knows that’s what is best for the both of us. I agree, it’s just going to be hard to be away from him for so long.

He will be shipping out May 31st and the soonest I can go to MEPS is May 2nd. There is a VERY small chance that I could be shipped out the same time, but odds are slim…

So, the next step after he takes the oath tomorrow night? Hmm.. well marriage is still in the picture, but I should probably keep my mouth shut. ;)

So, I guess my next step is a MASSIVE garage sale!

Change of plans?

Yea, you could say that. Things have been changing on a daily basis. One day, I’m a Marine the next day I’m in the Army. Yesterday, I spent 3 hours at the Army recruiters office. I scored a 70 on ASVAB (basically a job test) , which was a pretty good score. I’m getting a better idea of the job I am interested in. I want to be a Paratrooper Medic. I want to have the ability to jump out a perfectly good (or damaged) air plane and I want to be able to help people… or save their lives. The Marines seemed like a good fit in the beginning, but the more I look into the Army, the more it seems they can guarantee me and be able to write into a contract what I need.

So, on the bright side of things… I would only be in basic training for 9 weeks instead of 13. DIRECTLY after basic training I would go to AIT (Advanced Individual Training). So it would be about 4-6 months straight, but I’d come back for “home town recruiting” for 10 days before I am shipped out with my unit to post.

Before I go into too much detail… I am having elbow surgery on this Tuesday (Feb. 2nd), to get the wires removed. The recruiter and I went back and forth of whether it would be best to leave the wires in or take them out. We decided to get them taken out. How does that effect Hugh? Well, that’s up to him. He obviously has the ability to go ahead with his MEPS (job test and physical, etc.) and go onto boot camp and I would be a month behind him while my elbow is healing.

There are advantages! He would be able to tell me how boot camp is, go to AIT and be able to be on post and have everything ready for when I get there! Disadvantages: We may not have “home town recruiting” at the same time. So we may not be able to spend much time with each other and family before going to post. Which isn’t all bad, but it would be nice to be together at home at some point.

So, where does marriage play in? Whoa. Slow down. (That’s what I need to d0). Right now I think things need to be played one at a time. My next step is surgery and then physical therapy and I need to focus on that right now. Things could go either way and I think I definitely need to lay off of Hugh right now. He’s feelin’ the pressure.

So, that’s my update for tonight!

A what?!

Let's just say nothing is official yet. Official, I guess, meaning being legal. I do have to say that it is definitely in the works because Cole, or I guess Hugh to some, and I have talked to just about all of our immediate family about the two big decisions we are about to make.

What are those "big decisions" that every has been gossiping and face-booking about?
In the next few weeks it looks like Cole and I will be going down to the court house to receive our Marriage License and Certificate. Why a certificate in the court house? Well, that's because we are joining the Marines. Together. After the time we get legally married, sign the enlistment papers and pass our physicals, we will have anywhere from 1-3 months until we are shipped off to basic (at the same time).

Wow. Yea, wow is right. The past two night's I haven't been able to drive halfway home from his house without squealing. We are excited. A little over-whelmed and exhausted by the massive amount of questions coming from massive amounts of family, but so far it's only made us stronger.

So, the purpose of my blog. I am going to try and plan a wedding in 2 months. Why is that? Because I have approximatley 2 months before we leave for basic, then we will be out of reliable contact for 13 weeks. We will both return home within 24 hours of the other and then... the wedding! Yes, we will be having a wedding. How could a girl be happy with a couple of family members at a court house!

So my next 1-3 months will be trying to become legally married, enlist in the United States Marine Corps, train for boot camp, sell of all the items I own and will never need again, plan a wedding and then leave all the fine details to my mom, sisters and close friends.

Oh dear God... Please help me!

:)