Post Christmas Musings

So I had a pleasant Christmas, minus getting a ticket on my way to my parents house. I helped my poor father with his shopping for my mother. Every year he drags me out to brave the last minute crowds. I finished my shopping a month early specifically to avoid said crowds. For those of you that don't know, I have mild claustrophobia when in some crowded places...and malls make me feel ill in general. I'm not a shopper. We ran all over Queensbury, then down to Saratoga because I made my mother take me to one of my fav restaurants for lunch. Mmmm duck sandwiches (Jimmy is jealous). We went out to the Olive Garden for dinner where my dad and I got our wine buzz on. I was able to see my friend Kaela, who lives in Chicago. I miss having my friends all in the same town, but I guess that's what happens when you grow up, you move. 

I was the first one up on Christmas day....my internal Floyd alarm clock wakes me up at 7am. So my dad blares obnoxious christmas music to wake everyone up. I put Layla on everyone's bed...including my brother who is allergic :) My mother swore she wouldn't go overboard with presents this year, she lied as usual. We always have presents spewing out everywhere...as well as stockings. So I got some sweaters, lacy panty things that Jimmy should like, a gift card to Sephora, a transmitter for my ipod to play in the car, some children's books :) and a bunch of other stuff. The only thing that was missing was Jimmy. I typically hate Christmas, but we've always had good ones together. Waking up and opening presents under our mini-tree. I'm not going to lie and say that I wasn't sad, but we'll have our Christmas together soon.

Speaking of Jimmy, he decided to wait until this last port to skype with me....and I was in NY. So I had a broken conversation with him on x-mas eve, he had duty on x-mas day, and never called me the day after. I went to Sam's for dinner thinking I was in the clear, but he calls me! Sam, being nice and sharing, set up her computer for me so I could skype with Jimmy. Oh how I wish we had done this from the beginning. It's so much better to be able to see him. We talked for two hours that night...making faces at each other and laughing. He called me again last night and I was able to show him Floyd and Layla. He misses his dog...and I can't wait for them to reunite. I said goodbye through tears and know that I will see him again for real soon.

I didn't take any pictures but I stole the ones from Kim's blog. Jimmy with his molest-a-stache. He plans on keeping it when he walks off the boat...and shaving it as soon as he gets home!

I'm off to go spend the money that Karyn gave me for Christmas (thanks!)

Mother F-ing Snow

I thought I had escaped the snow by moving to coastal CT. Apparently the snow has followed me. Some pics from the last few days. Oh....the pic of our cars...was after I had shoveled 4 times.

P.S. Jimmy misses home and called me SAW instead of SAP. Is it homecoming yet?

Busy Bee

December has turned out to be a rather hectic month. My cousin's bridal shower went well this past weekend. We had soooo much food that we had to bring some back to the men at her house. I was asked to stay the night but alas Floyd was home and I don't leave him by himself for that long. Apparently there was a boob contest going on...my aunt told me I would have won :) I can only imagine what the bachelor/bachelorette party will be like. 

I substituted for the first time yesterday. I got to teach special ed to 3rd and 4th graders. I had a blast and was able to help some of the students in their classrooms...I even helped with Math!! Walking around the school and helping the kids out reaffirmed my yearning to get my Masters and get certified. I'm applying to a few more school districts and am hoping to be busy next semester.

On a great note...I got a phone call today from a certain someone. They are in Turkey for a little while and plan on doing a big bus tour tomorrow. I'm excited for him to get home already. It won't be too long before we can play Rock Band, cook dinner together, and spoon. I can't wait :)

Is December over yet?

You think this month would go by a little quicker since I'm so damned busy...but of course God likes to smite me whenever he can. I am thankful that I have things to do this month...November was a bit of a bust...mostly me moping because I wasn't working. I will hopefully start substituting soon for New London and North Stonington school districts. My interview with N. Stonington is tomorrow and I'm a little nervous. I've been on plenty of interviews but never really one for teaching so I hope I make a good impression. It's not guaranteed work but I'm hoping if I get accepted at enough districts I'll be called in a couple times a week. 

Other than that I went to a Christmas party last week with my mother. Her high school friend throws a huge party at his house every year. I always make fun of my mother for over decorating...she doesn't hold a candle to these people. Three trees, a real santa, and more ornaments than the North Pole. I got to sit on Santa's lap and I told him that all I want for Christmas is for Jimmy to come home safe and sound. That really is all I want....I have no need for material things...him being home would be the greatest Christmas present ever. Well...maybe a diamond ring too. Speaking of that I went to a beautiful park today called Harkness Park. An old Greek revival mansion, with gardens, right on the ocean. Engagement pictures....totally :) Can't wait!

Running around with my head cut off...

So today is December 1st and that means that deployment will be over with soon enough. I'm looking forward to not taking care of everything and to actually talk to Jimmy and get a response right away...instead of waiting for emails that may or may not come. I had a lovely Thanksgiving at home with family and friends. My life is in a state of chaos at the moment. I'm trying to get everything packed up so when Jimmy comes home...we can move as soon as we find a place. I looked at a townhouse today that seemed decent enough...in the good part of New London..with a dog park down the street. I'm still pushing Jimmy to move into housing...he's just not into it. I'm thinking it should either be that or we get a house. Living off base won't save us any money. I would personally like to get a house but with the creditors not lending much these days...I'm not sure if we can afford a monstrosity of a down payment...and get married in the same year. This is all fun stuff we can figure out once he gets home. Wedding plans are a go....I'm apparently planning a wedding without being formally asked to get married. This is typical Jimmy and Stephanie...we can't do anything right :) So hopefully I'll be getting a date and place soon...then we'll do the ring shopping when he gets home. I am making him get down on one knee and asking even though we've already agreed to this. It won't feel real unless he does it properly. I'm off to NH tomorrow to shop with my aunt for my cousin's bridal shower. Everyone is getting married and having kids! It's nuts...and looks like I'm jumping on the bandwagon too :)