Just a little bit of Life Lately!

* When we lived in the South I went home every day for lunch just about. Here in Music City State its not exactly convenient for me to go home for my lunch. I found a great lunch spot down the street from were I work. Its called Dunbar Cave Park. 

There's picnic tables surrounding the lake, a couple different walking / running trails, and some old Caves with lots of wild life full of nature. Makes for some relaxing lunch breaks. 

I've managed to take a couple run's through the trails on my lunch which is the perfect way to clear my head. 

     

*Hubbs and I went for a random date night drive a couple weeks ago. We kept driving North towards Kentucky and eventually crossed the boarder. Hey who am I kidding we live like 15 minutes away from the state line. Hubbs said he figured we'd head this way and check out the area to see what we could find. Let me tell you we found a pretty darn fabulous Mexican joint. We left stuffed to pieces!! So Bueno!!!! 

*We found a local German Bakery / Deli near down town and decided to stop and check it out one afternoon. We picked up a couple different loafs of bread and made a few delicious bites with them. One of our favorites was Bruschetta. This was a first for me, making homemade bruschetta but it turned out fabulous and we finished the whole loaf off in one night. Not to worry we turned it in to our dinner and I ended up not cooking that night. 

*I made a pit stop on my way home the other evening when I got a FaceTime call from these two beauties!!! I was so excited to see them and talk to them both. Sweet Little Lu is getting so big and really starting to talk so well. Its crazy that she was so tiny when she started in my class almost two years ago now. There may be miles upon miles between us now but I'll always love them to pieces!!! 

*I start most my mornings here before heading to work. I generally get up, get ready, make some toast or a bowl of cereal and enjoy it out on our back deck with the pups. Watching the sun coming up, the birds chirping and the pups running around the yard. Its my "ME" time before my day really gets started away from everything just out our back door. I can't wait to add more flowers, outdoor decor and seating to spice up the deck. Its one of my favorite parts about our new home. 

2-60th Battalion Ball

We had our Battalion Ball / Dining Out this evening and we'll it was a nice evening out but it didn't last long. It started at 6:00pm (we arrived just after 6pm) and we were on our way home by 8:30pm. Our Ball that we went to in HI after the guys got home from Iraq was so much fun, the guys all had a blast. There was so much cutting up, story telling and drinks, catching up with everyone, meeting new people, did I mention drinks. Tonight was NOTHING like our last ball, there was about 100 people give or take a few. I was looking forward to tonight all up until we arrived at the venue. When we found out we had assigned seating that we had not choice in whom we wanted to sit with. So needless to say we were set with several other couples who I had no clue who they were. Talk about awkward. Seeings that it wasn't a formal, formal event I opted to save money and do a simple bun and a little black dress I had already had. It worked out perfect and the hubbs loved it. I'll say that was a win. 

I was awarded for the volunteer work I have done within the Battalion for our Company. I knew I would be getting recognized and that was the whole reason we went. Truth be told the hubbs had no desire to go at all. He's so over being here with this unit and the people he works with. I'm quite certain if he doesn't see most of them again he'd be just fine. 

I enjoyed getting dressed up with my love and going out for the evening even if it was just for a couple hours. The Color's & Flags were presented, a guest speaker spoke, the grog was mixed and poured, dinner was served and finished, awards & recognitions were giving and the retiring of the colors were done all in a matter of about a hour and 45 minutes. I got talked into doing the Cupid Shuffle (which really didn't take much convincing lol) and then we said our good byes and headed out the door. We both had a long day at work and were just ready to get home and relax. 

Absolutely love this girl, only wish they would have gotten stationed in the South sooner. Thank goodness we'll always have each other from here on out!!! That's the good thing about the Army Life, friends become FAMILY. 

All in all it was a good evening out, I'm glad we went. I did meet a few new people, had some good conversations and not to mention I got to see my handsome Drill SGT in his Blues. Always a bonus. 

We came home to this yummy goodness awaiting us for dessert. It was the perfect way to end our evening. You simply can't go wrong with Strawberry Cake, even if I did make this one from the box. shhh don't tell. 

Let's Get Cookin

Tonight our Battalion Hosted a couples evening out a "Let's Cook" downtown. 

I hadn't mentioned anything to the hubbs about going because I though he had CQ. This morning he sent me a text asking if I'd be interested in going. Why of course I would, cooking + a date out with together, + we wouldn't have to pay for a thing. How could I pass that up, especially knowing I was leaving on Thursday for a few days. 

We've been to "Let's Cook" once before last year and we loved it. Its so much fun and we really learned a lot when we went. 

This time I decided to take my own apron to wear and I'm glad I did, I got so many complements on it. 

On the menu for the evening was: Jalapeno Cornbread, Fried Green Tomatoes served with Cheesy Grits, Low Country Boil (red potatoes, shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage) and of course dessert Strawberry Cheese Cake. 

The hubbs did most of the cutting and cooking which was totally fine by me. I mean I cook almost every single night of the week so to have someone cook for me and do all the dirty work was nice. We had fun together for sure and definitely will go back again. 

And a little while later, dinner is served. I have to say the cornbread was by far my favorite dish on the menu. I was just fabulous!!!

Movie Night @ the Drive In.

Making the most of the hubby's 4 day weekend we decided to finally make our way to the drive in. Lucky for us there are two in the south and one is just a hour away. We decided a few weeks back that we would go this weekend as long as something decent was playing. We both wanted to see TED but that was about the only thing on this weeks listings that interested us. What the heck we though you can't beat two movies for $7 bucks and besides it will be fun.
We headed out just after 5pm to get there in plenty of time before the movies started. Gates opened at 6:30pm but the movies didn't start till 9pm. We wanted to get there early to 1- ensure we got in and 2- make sure we got good parking with a easy get away at the end so we wouldn't be stuck in traffic for a hour. This was only my 2nd time to the drive in and I can't wait to go back. We will definitely go back in the fall / winter time, that's when it gets dark earlier and the movies start before 9pm. 

On our screen The Amazing Spider-Man was playing first then TED. Not being a huge SM fan myself I wasn't jumping out of my seat about seeing it but it ended up not being that bad. The husband hated it and as soon as it was over said, "That was the worst movie I've ever seen." Opps good thing we had a good one to follow up. 

We took full advantage of the snack bar, best part about that was the prices were dirt cheap. A thing of nachos, couple orders of fires a burger or two and we were set for the night. We were gonna go back for a funnel cake at some point but decided not to. (i'm sure that was for the best lol)

We bummed around on our phones, did lots of people watching and chatting while we waiting for the movie to start. Once we got there I kinda felt bad that we were there SOOO early but hey we had fun and got to spend loads of quality time together and for me that's all I wanted. The hubbs has been so busy since this cycle started we haven't had much time to just go out and relax and not have to worry about staying out late because we have work the next day. 

We had a great view of the screen since we got there so early and there was only a few cars before us. Next time we go we probably wont go quite as early because we now know what to expect. The weather was in the low 80's the entire night, even at 1am when we were still there watching TED, we looked at each other and pointed out the temperature gage on the dash. Kinda crazy right, we went back and forth having the windows down and the AC on. 

Just hanging out with my love before the movie started. 

It was definitely a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back and do it again. We are trying to see more of the city / state when he's on pass or cycle break and I have to say this weekend was so much fun. As much as I say I wont miss it here when we leave, I know I'll be bummed if we don't get a chance to do certain things. I'm glad I was finally able to mark this one off the list. Good news is though we will be going back!!!!

~DAY 282~

Medieval Times Dinner

After the classes this afternoon we went and did a little window shopping along the board walk. I finally found a candle I'd been looking for, we picked up a few treats for the pups and a Christmas ornament. We also tried out a local cupcake shop but its nothing to write home about. We enjoy the afternoon checking out more of what Myrtle Beach had to offer before going & getting ready for our exciting date we had planned for the evening.

That's right we went to Medieval Times along with the other two couples we hung out with the night before. I'd been before but years and years ago for my little brothers birthday so I didn't remember much at all about it. The hubbs on the other hand had never been so we were both really excited. Of course we had to join in and try out the local drinks they were mixing up, I mean it wouldn't be a feast if we didn't right. The hubbs was a sport and wore his crown all night as well, I was quite impressed.

Dinner at MT if you have not been is so yummy but its all eaten with your hands. That's right no spoon or fork allowed, even the soup. Which might I add was Tomato soup which I've never been a fan of but this my friends was fabulous. I have to figure out how to recreate it. (or if any of you lovely readers have a delicious recipe you might want to send my way, I'd greatly appreciate it.)

The chicken was really good to, much more than I could eat by myself. It was a whole half of a chicken, and on top of that we got potato wedges and ribs. Talk about a food over loads, dessert came after and let me just say if anyone left there hungry you were crazy. 

Our Knight was the blue one and although he didn't win the final match we had loads of fun cheering him on and booing the other knights. Through out the night each knight would toss roses into the stands of their section, our friend A caught one, which was so sweet because she's pregers :). The horse's were amazing which was crazy you'd think they be freaked out by all the noise and commotion but I guess they've gotten use to it. We both had such a great time and that's all we talked about for the rest of the evening. I love going out and doing different things together that we haven't experienced before, this was such a great idea.

~DAY 240~

Lazy Sundays

I suppose the after math of CQ recovery wasn't to bad this time around. I woke up around 9:30am and as much as I tried going back to sleep I just couldn't :(. I decided I'd better get up and make the most of my day. On the agenda was a long over due trip to the commissary. I HATE love HATE our commissary its so small the meat selection is horrible and the fresh produce section is even worse. Add in there a ton of old retirees and its just a complete disaster. Its a must though if we want to eat and make it through the next couple weeks. Normally the hubbs and I always go together, I mean if I have to be tormented with it then so do he. Since he was fast asleep with no wake up time in sight I figured I'd suck it up and go on my own. I finished in just less than a hour and well under budget which was totally awesome, completely made my day. No way that would have happened if we would have been together. See I'm really good about sticking to the list and him on the other hand not so much. 

I had just finished unloading everything from the car and I see his bright shinning face coming down the stairs. He's alive lol, I said to him. He still seemed a bit out of it and sleepy but he managed to make it through the rest of the day. We did a bit of window shopping around town, I was on the hunt for a new pair of shoes but I couldn't find the ones I wanted in my size. 

Later that evening I cooked us some yummy potato soup for dinner and then he surprised me with a late night date to our favorite Baskin Robbins for dessert. We spent the rest of the evening on the couch chatting and watching basic cable because our box went out again. I had to have it replaced two TWO weeks ago because it went to crap and then Saturday it does the same thing again. I was not a happy girl at all, I even went over to my friend K's house to watch Army Wives. It was nice because it reminded me of nights in Hawaii when the Spouse and I would get together and watch our shows. 

I have to say it wasn't that bad of a weekend. Next weekend is my Birthday weekend so that should be fun and the following weekend we are suppose to go camping. (we will see how that turns out, I'm a city girl)

~DAY 185~

Surprise Date

DAY 14

*bOO at the zOO*

I was on a role busting my booty getting the house done, boxes unpacked & pictures hung. All day that's all I did from the time I woke up. I started up stairs and didn't come down till our bedroom was finished. When it got closer to 4pm Gabe kept asking me if I wanted to get out of the house and go do something. I replied with sure like what as I kept working on the house, he told me not to worry about it that he would take care of it. Ok I though and paid him no mind I was on a mission to finish the house and that's all I could think about.
Finally about a hour later I was DONE.......after showering & getting ready we were headed out for the evening. I felt good about things so it was a much needed treat for us. We were driving around town for a bit then eventually made our way to the Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. I had seen a billboard around the area advertising it & though it might be fun but never mentioned it to Gabe. When we pulled in he asked "is this ok" of course are you kidding me I replied this is perfect. I was so excited, he had already pre~ordered tickets on line and everything. How freaking awesome was he, I swear my husband is just perfect for me and knows just how to make me smile.
We spent the evening walking through the Zoo Ewing & awhing over all the different animals they had. Some of the exhibits were closed because it was dark and there were TONS of people there but I'd say about 85% or the Zoo was visible. Some of the outside exhibits you couldn't see some animals because it was so dark and they didn't have those areas lit up. There was Halloween colored Christmas lights every were, decorated lift size animal boards, pumpkins both normal size & life size. Scarecrows, Ghosts & goblin figures were scattered through out the park lit as bright as ever. With the music playing, S'more station's to roast marshmallows & a dance area the night couldn't have been any better. We had fun watching all the little kiddos dressed up in their Halloween costumes running to the next spooky booth they saw to get candy. We were one of the very few couples with out kids there but we had a fabulous time, I have to say it was the BEST night I've had since moving to South Carolina. I loved more than anything that Gabe planned the entire thing all on his own and dinner after as well. We ended the evening at Texas RoadHouse for dinner watching the first half of the Rangers game.

I try to keep telling myself that it only takes time and this place will one day feel some what like home.

Mac 24-7

Enjoying a much needed girls night out with my to favorite island babes. After a adventure in its self getting to the restaurant we were seated and drooling over the menu. What to get, it all sounded so good and delicious. I couldn't decide between the chicken fried steak or the new york strip steak. Finally I settled with the new york steak along with a side of french fries. Something about them, thinly sliced potato's are my weakness I just love them. A side of asparagus came along top of the garlic mash potato's and let me tell you that was the best part of my meal. Ok well maybe not the best but it was pretty darn close. I love dinner dates with the girls even since the hubbs has been home. Before he left I didn't go out with "my" friends by myself so much because I wanted to spend every second with my love. Through out the past year I became really close to the people I hung out with and plan to continue building those relationships with Gabe along to. I'm glad that I am able to bring myself to get out & enjoy time with my friends as well, even now that he is home. It's something we both talked about & its good to have girl time every now and then.



Heaven on a plate Steak, Mash Taters & Asparagus I love me a good cooked steak. Sure some people say I ruin it because I get it well done but that's the way I like it. I'm not a red chewy meat kinda fan. We chatted the night away trying each others dishes and then dessert as well. The waiter wasn't the greatest but when he was at the table he sure made us laugh. I think Gabe & I might try them out for breakfast one morning when his parents are here in a few weeks. I hear they have some killer pancakes...Elvis inspired as well, Gabes fav.

FRIED SNICKERS~ OMG had to be one of the best desserts ever!!!!!!!!

Late Night Date on the Beach

Late night Ice Cream dates are a big thing for us, so I had asked Gabe if he wanted to go get Ice cream tonight after dinner and he said sure.
I made chili and we enjoyed it on the couch with the pups. Shortly after we were on our way to were Gabe though was the PX for some Baskin Robbins. Right as we got to McComb gate I told him I had a idea really quick and we would get back for Ice Cream. Then the 50 questions started for him, as I drove down to Dillingham. He though I was trying to catch the sunset because it was just about that time. Finally making our way to the beach and parking I popped the trunk & grabbed out our beach bag and one other bag. We walked all the way down to almost the shore line and laid out the towel and at that time Gabe noticed that I had packed everything to make Ice Cream Sundaes.









We sat there and watched the sunset, made Ice Cream sundaes in our giant mugs and listened to the waves crash up against the beach. It was one of the best date night since we have been here in Hawaii. We were completly off by ourself no one around to inturupt us. Its the simple thing like tonight that I am going to miss when he deploys.


We had the most amazing night ever, something that I can't wait to do again.