Walking Down Memory Lane

Up early again for a bike ride around Veterans Park before heading across town to visit with my step dad for a bit. I enjoy that even though him and my mom are not together any more that we have still kept in touch and make that we make a point to visit him when we are in town. 

After our visit we headed to downtown Dallas for breakfast at Hypnotic Donuts. I'd never eaten there before and some how came across their shop online a couple weeks back before our trip. Their donuts looked pretty amazing and let me tell you they did not disappoint. I only managed to get a picture of one or the two I got. Probably because they where so good I gobbled them up quickly.

 After breakfast we headed to the Dallas World Aquarium where we got married almost 8 years ago. (November 9th, 2007) Every time the hubbs and I go back to Texas together we always make a point to go revisit the Aquarium. Very little has changed which makes it that much more enjoyable. I think I'd be really disappointed if it ever went under a drastic change. I remember the day like it was yesterday. From the moment we arrived on the day of our wedding, getting ready, walking through the reception area and the wedding as a whole. Walking through talking about all the fun we had, reminiscing over our special day and looking at the different animals. We've been to several different aquariums (every where we go, we always try to visit the local one if they have one) and nothing ever seems to compare to the DWA. No, I'm not just saying that because we where married there yes I might be a little biased but it really is a neat open aquarium. I highly recommend it if your ever in the area. 

We took a picture in the exact spot where we said our "I Do's", even though its a little dark I love beginning able to compare the two. 

I can't wait till the day when and if we possibly have a little one that we can take her (because we all know it WILL be a girl lol) back to the DWA and show them where we got married. I always wanted to get married some where different, not in a church and this most definitely did it. The DWA will always hold a special place in my heart. 

After we where done we headed back into Arlington for lunch, and to pick up a few things we needed for our flight out that evening before going back to relax for a bit. I've completely given up fast food and really I don't miss it at all. However I did allow myself to splurge on our trip and enjoy a few of my favorites places. I introduced the hubbs to Chicken Express for the first time, I don't know if he enjoyed it as much as I do but that's ok. I got my fix and that's all that matters right.

 After a bit of relaxing the hubbs suggested we ride our bikes up to Braums for a little Ice Cream treat. Umm YES PLEASE. Don't mind if I do. My NeNe lives literally about half a mile from there so it was a perfect little outing. Brahms is my absolute favorite when it comes to Ice Cream. Probably simple because it's what I grew up on. My two favorite go to flavors are Peppermint Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Not even gonna lie each time we went while home on vacay, I got a double scoop waffle cone. One scoop of each flavor and it was fantastic. :) Hey its ok I still managed to work out in some form or fashion every day. When on Vacay right?!?!?!?! 

That evening the NeNe, the Hubbs and Myself met up with two other couples for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants On The Border, you can't go wrong with Mexican Food, like EVER. Ken and Linda and Eric and Stephanie have been such great role models for me growing up and even more so since I've been married. They are all my parents age but sometimes you'd never know that by the way they act. In a good way that is. They definitely know how to enjoy life and live it up. I look up to each and everyone of them as a parental figure in one way or another and I'm so grateful to have them in our life. I love even more that even though I've moved away and am only able to make it home every so often, that each time we get together its as if no time has passed. They love and care for the both of us just as we where their own children. Eric is the one who married us and has always been such a great supporter. I babysat his two boys for several years when I lived at home and now they are both in college. Crazy how time flies. 

I wish I would have gotten a picture of the six of us together but between the tasty Swirl Frozen Margarita, the Chips and Salsa and the not so great service we where just having to much fun. It was a much needed get together and catch up time with them. I'm so glad we where able to make it work out while we where home. 

Weekend Get Away

This weekend get away couldn't have come at a better time, although I almost didn't think it was going to happen with the horrible snow storm we had just got. But I was determined to get out and make it to South Carolina, one way or another. One of my dearest sweetest friends is preggers and I was helping host her baby shower. See my reasoning for HAVING to go. Sure the shower would have gone on with out me but I would have been crushed. I've been in a slump with the deployment, school and work and I needed to get away for a bit to relax and refresh. 

I already had scheduled Thursday and Friday off from work and Wednesday afternoon we closed early due to weather related problems coming in later that night. I contemplated all day on whether or not I wanted to leave that night or wait till Thursday morning, which was my original plan. But with the below freezing temperatures coming again I was worry about the street conditions for Thursday morning. So I chalked it up and headed home to pack the car and walk the dogs. I decided to I'd leave that night, take my time and if needed I'd stop in ATL to get a hotel. Not even gonna lie, it was ruff but I pushed through and made it in to Cola about 3am Thursday morning. My friend's M & C that I was staying with was so kind to get up and let me in, Bless her heart!! 

Thursday I spent the better part of my day at the school were I worked visiting and catching up with friends and the kiddos. I had a lunch date with my YaYa at our usual Mexican joint. Visited some of my favorite local stores, bakeries and caught up with some more friends. One of them being our old neighbors from when we lived on post. They are just the sweetest retired couple I'd ever met. That evening I had dinner with two of my favorite parents K & K and their little girls. Crazy how much they've grow in the short 5 months since I'd seen them. I finished off the evening at K's house catching up and playing with the kiddos.

Friday I headed to the gym for a spin class, it felt great to be back at my old gym having my booty handed to my by the lovely Khop. After M (also a host for the shower) and I met up with another one of our friends for bunch at the ever so yummy Diprato's. Seriously they have some of the best food ever. After brunch M and I ran last minute errands and did a bit of shopping in preparation for the shower, which was on Saturday. We spent the rest of the evening at home and ordered take out for dinner from Devine Food's, a yummy local Greek place. I had some home work to catch up on so while M & C got little miss Lilly to bed I was knee deep in my books. 

Saturday started early, the shower was at 11am. We were doing a brunch style so we had to head over to C's house early to get everything set up and food prepared. OMG, everything was so good and there was so so much food. It was perfect and she loved it!!! I was so honored and happy to be apart of such a beautiful shower. We wanted to make sure it was perfect because this was the only shower that B was going to have. A few co-workers from our school came so I was able to visit with them a bit more. Later that evening I said my goodbyes to M & C and headed on post to meet up with the last of our Army friends that are still at Jackson. 

My YaYa & I 

Bobbie the Momma to be 

Pit stop to finally meet sweet little L and get some love in. And much needed catching up with her momma!! 

Becky works at Victory bingo on post and C was on CQ duty so we met up with him when she got off work to visit. Becky and I then headed to play bingo at a place in W. Cola. I'd never played bingo before EVER (sidenote: she can't play at V. Bingo since she works there, who woulda thought) and I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Did you know there are a lot of rules and do's and don't's that go into the game. And let me tell you these people really get into it. I went with $20 and when it was gone it was gone. I can def. see how people can go through and blow money not even knowing it. I had so much fun though and we played till the last game which was 2am Sunday morning. It was a long day, I'd been up since about 7am the morning before and was heading home Sunday morning. Becky and I headed back to the house. They've moved since I'd been back last time and of course I had to get the full tour before calling it a night. 

That morning when we woke up C was home from CQ and he made us a yummy breakfast omelet before we headed out to get my car so I could get on the road. I hated having to say goodbye knowing I was having to head back to TN. It feels so much like home being back in SC, everything is so normal as if I'd never left. I found myself going through the day without ever thinking to get on FB or Instagram to check in on the world. I left the stress and worry of life in TN and didn't look back. I was headed back a newly refreshed girl with a new out look on life and ready to tackle the rest of this deployment and school we have to go. 

I can't wait to go back and visit again, there's possibly a trip in the horizon for the end of April. Seriously I wish we could just pick up and move permanently back already. Soon, in due time though. 

See You Soon Cola, Until we Meet again!

A "Me" Day!!!

                                                             I took a much needed me day to get somethings taken care of before the summer semester started. You see I've already got my vacation days for summer planned out, so that leaves me with nothing. Unfortunately our vacation days from the school year do not roll over to summer. Its a use it or loose it kinda thing. Well you don't really loose it you get paid for those hours you have left but its not your normal rate. ($7.50hr NO thank you) I started in January with 3 & 1/2 days of vacation (for the full year you get 7 days, I started half way through) and I've used my days very sparingly, only taking off when I needed to. I knew I'd be taking a lot off in the summer so I figured I'd save them if I could. The week before last I asked about how much time I had left, 11.25 hrs. not so shabby a day & half pretty much. I asked about them rolling over and that's when I found out it doesn't work that way.
I talked to the hubbs about it and we agreed if I could find a sub then I'd take the day off and get somethings done around the house. If I couldn't I just wouldn't worry about it and I'd get paid for the time I had left. Whelp I managed to find someone at the last minute for today (Friday) which worked out perfect because the hubbs had the day off as well. We've been so crazy busy this week that we have hardly spent any time together other than when we go to bed. lol
I woke up this morning to the hubbs cooking us breakfast, pancakes at that. Yummy, I was just planning on having a bowl of cereal but I'll take pancakes instead. We spend some time getting somethings picked up around the house and the back yard cleaned up. (it was much needed after all the rain we've gotten.) We ventured out to do a bit of shopping picking up a few things he needed for his class he is taking tomorrow. I finally used one of the gift cards I got my birthday and splurged on a new pair of TOMS. What can I say I'm a sucker for a new pair of shoes and I just can't say no to TOMS. Checking out a few other boutiques in the area I was able to pick up a little something for the Spouse and the hubby scored a new wallet. He's been on the search for one and we frankly he is kinda hard to please when it comes to that sorta things. Have you ever heard of the Mighty Wallet's they are pretty neat you should check them out. (The Mighty Wallets are made of a single folded sheet of strong micro fiber material that is tear & water resistant, super strong and last for a very long time. It doesn't have any stitching and is easily custom fitted. They offer many different collections as far as the theme you are wanting.) The store we got his from didn't have a big selection but he got one that fits him pretty well.

From there we went and grabbed a bite to eat at a new place to us. We are on this kick of trying new restaurants, kinda stepping out of our comfort zone. It turned out to be really good, we got in just in the nick of time to still partake in the lunch menu. We already had dinner plans to try a new place tonight so we wanted to eat light for lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon at home, the hubbs cleaned his guns and I worked on a few projects. Later in the evening we had dinner at a newly opened Italian place up the street called Pasta Fresca. They recently moved locations and had their grand opening this past Monday night. Let me just say we were told it was better than Olive Garden and the locals don't lie. They know there stuff and it was fabulous!!!!! We ended the evening at a house warming party with a soldier that the hubbs went to D SGT school with. H and her family just PCSed here and invited us for the evening. She is a hoot let me tell you, thankfully I'd met her twice before tonight so I knew what to expect. So far the weekend is off to a great start just, today was just what we needed to get thing under way and some much needed US time. This week has been so busy and we haven't had much time together, so I was grateful the hubbs had the day off.

This afternoon we also picked up the hubbs picture. Each Drill SGT has their picture displayed in the bay so the BCT's know who their Drill SGT is. Isn't he so handsome, I think so!!!! I'm starting to really dig the campaign hat. lol.

~DAY 218~

Chilaxin w/ The Pups

We just got back from a run and we were having lots of cuddle time and kisses in the kitchen. I was exhausted and so were they, it was nice and warm out so I opened the door and we just chilled for a bit. I love our fur babies so much they really complete our family and keep us on our toes. They are great company when the hubbs is gone or working late. I'm looking forward to more days like today were we can go on runs together, they really push me (pull lol) to keep going. 

She has this fascination with lights, such as the flash on the camera or a leaser. Its really funny to watch her go nuts over it, it could keep her entertained for a good hour straight or longer.

Daddy's little boy, so spoiled he was our first baby. Can't believe we've had these two for 3 years already. 

Sitting so pretty waiting for a yummy treat, they are so well behaved. Ok well sometimes, if only we could work on the bed hogging at night then we'd be doing good. 

~DAY 132~

Turtle Bay Staycation

Over the last two days Sarah, Nancy & Myself had a over night stay at Turtle Bay Resort off the famous North Shore. Our day started out with a fabulous hour long massage at Spa Luana which was simply amazing. In between each of our massage’s we took full advantage of the wonderful amenities provided by the spa its self. Such as the overly stocked bathroom with hair products, cucumber water, facial wash, mouth wash, shower products. Not to mention the sauna, that you couldn’t sit in for more than 5 - 10 minutes before we found ourselves gasping for air. We did what anyone would do and made the most of our time in the luxuries bathroom!!!!!!!!! Dressed in our super stylish teal green robes & our overly sized brown slippers, we had a great time.

After our massage we went up to check out our room were we would be staying for the next 48 hours :) A kings size bed for the three of us, with a Lani over looking the many different pools & the shore line as well as a great view of the mountains. It was great to have it all in the same, & the best part was you didn’t have to bend you neck over the edge to see either.

We quickly freshened up & headed down to the pool for some drinks. None of us had lunch before we came so we were pretty hungry & it was still a few hours away till dinner so we figure why not splurge on some french fries. Seriously that was the largest basket of fries I had see in a LONG time. We did how ever manage to polish off the whole thing as well as a drink & half for S & I. (I say half Sarah bc you ordered a 2nd & I had to finish it lol)

Still it about 3 hours before our dinner reservations & we were debating on going swimming before or waiting to see if we had time after. (the pool closed at 10pm) We decided to move our dinner time up from 7:45pm to 6:00pm so we could do a little night swim & roast marshmallows by the fire. The pool side bar sold smore’s kits with the works, pretty sweet if I do say so myself. Ever since the resent smore’s event on the beach a few weeks back I’ve been craving them.

Back up to the room to put on something a little more classy & down to dinner it was. Italian was the choice for the evening. Although I think the restaurant served more sea food then they did Italian food. It was still really good, now the dessert on the other hand not so much. I did try a couple different ones but they just weren’t for me. Not to worry though I knew I’d be getting some yumminess later that evening.

Once we were through with dinner we headed up to our room change into our suits & back down to the pool. That's were all the craziness started & the fun began. The water was a wee bit nippy & I was not a fan. To get over the shock of it we decided we would all three jump in at once. Well I’m sure you can imagine how well that went over. N went first & was pretty peeved when she realized that S & I were still standing there on the edge. OK OK, I was thinking if I don’t go now I’m not gonna go & it’s only gonna be colder. So I JUMPED!!!!!!!! While the two of us floated around we patently waited for S to get in.

After she finally gave in we spent the next hour taking underwater pictures of ourselves which was quite comical & a bit challenging at times if I do say so. I have not done a handstand underwater in ummmmm forever & having to hold my noes didn’t make it any easier. Some how we always managed to get one of us in the picture & only a part of the other person. It didn’t matter how many times we tried to get it right it just ever worked. We finally gave up & swam over to the steps were we used the self timer to take our picture. We did manage to get a few good ones here and there (when the camera didn’t fall off the step.) and a few goofy ones. (I’ll be sure to post a BLOOPERS post of photos from our pool night so stay tuned)

We moseyed our way through two different hot tubs in between roasting our marshmallows & making smore’s. PS: They definitely don’t taste the same on gas fire as they do on a wood burning fire.

That night once we were in bed we were super thirsty & decided to order drinks from ROOM SERVICE!!!!!!!!! Sarah was all about the room service & she couldn’t get enough of the menu.

“yes I’d like to place a order please” “I’ll have TWO chocolate milk & a Pepsi please”

KNOCK KNOCK ~ I have to get the door bc they are in t-shirts & undies. I bring the drinks in & the bell boy is still at the door, I’m running around trying to find someones wallet so I can tip the guy, only to go back to the door with cash in hand & sign the slip with a TIP blank on it. “Sweet easy enough, why didn’t I remember they did that”, so I tipped the dude a couple bucks. Got back into bed & told S & N we’d better enjoy these $22.00 Chocolate milks & soda. “WHAT...........$22” We quickly checked the prices on the menu & sure enough the milks were like $4.50 a piece & the CAN soda was about $5-6 bucks. In fine print at the bottom of the menu was written that a 15% tip would be added into all room orders, as well as $4.00 delivery charge. So needless to say that bell boy got a little extra tip.

The next morning we order ROOM SERVICE again for breakfast. French Toast for the Spouse, Pancakes & hash brown for the Mistress & a Omelet for me. A grand total of.........with out any extra tip other than the 15% included & the $4.00 delivery fee & only S ordered a drink, N & I got water........a GRAND TOTAL of $75.79 just for breakfast. It was so delicious though, each one of us cleaned our plates completely & were pleasantly full after.

Off for some more relaxation sea side back to the resort spa we went. We had reservations at 10:30am to get pedis, not just any pedi though. We were getting a Pineapple Pedicure outside on the Lani while we listened to the waves crash up against the shore. With our feet soaking in Coconut milk we chatted away wondering why we had been going to a normal salon for the last year to get our toes done. This was the life and we had been missing out lol. After a nice long foot / leg massage the ladies rubbed a sea salt mixture all over our legs & feet, then coated them in honey & lined pineapple chunks from our toes to almost our knees. Then placing a flower in between our toes they wrapped them in warm towels & we were left to do a bit more relaxing. When it came time to remove the towels the honey had absorbed into our skin making it softer than ever. A bit more pampering by the ladies & a fresh coat of polish to top off the morning. A hour & twenty minute pedicure ended up lasting over two hours which was totally fine by us.

Back to the pool we went to finish out our stay, we had to work on our Hawaiian tan of course & we couldn't do it empty handed either. We each ordered a Pina Colada & a few different things to much on (yup, you can bet we got the fries again). We spent the next couple hours laying out by the pool, were we saw some very interesting people. I have to say some people just don’t care what they look like in a swim suit & others completely forget what one is & let their children run around with out one.

We had a fabulous STAYCATION at Turtle Bay Resort & the trip would not have been possible if it were not for our fabulous spouse. I have her to thank for putting this idea all together. I won’t give her credit for booking the spa days though because if she could have her way she would have punched someone in the face that works there by now. Poor girl got the run around every time she called in so I had to take over, which still wasn’t much better. Theirs services were fantastic but the ones answering the phones & booking appointments LACKED in customer SERVICE.

We’ve already started planning our next over night stay....... some were new, different & it will most definitely be longer & include a massage.