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!

The last two......

These last two weekends were pretty mellow for us, we enjoyed lots of time relaxing and hanging out at home. I really can't complain one bit, because its been so nice not having anything to do or any where to go. The hubbs has had a lot of time off as well "HELLO CYCLE BREAK", which is always nice and welcome. 

Last Saturday morning I woke up early and headed out to meet up with Kelly for our run. While the hubbs when to the range to go shooting. We were both hoping to beat the horrible weather coming our way. Thankfully we both succeeded, because just as predicted the rain and sleep swept through about 9:30am. 

We finished the day off with a ever so lovely trip to the commissary and later that evening I babysat for one of the families from school. 

Sunday we did absolutely nothing, after sleeping in till about 9am we got up and I cooked us a yummy breakfast. After that I clean the house and got things ready for our house guest that was coming. I stayed in my PJ's till 6pm, we lounged around on the couch all afternoon. I think we even skipped lunch. It was perfect I don't remember the last time I was that lazy, carefree and didn't feel like going any where. Along with the laziness mint I didn't want to cook dinner. 

.........back up for a minute.......

A few months back I met a new friend via FB though my sweet friend Becca. (A & her family are stationed with B right now) A & her husband are going to be PCSing to Ft. J soon, her husband is currently going though Drill SGT School right now.  She and her girls came down to spend the weekend with her husband / daddy and we made plans to meet up for dinner Sunday night. I was excited to meet them and get to know A more. We've been going back and forth on FB for 2-3 months now, so to finally met was great. Since we made plans for dinner, that mint I had to finally get myself together.

 Dinner date with the hubbs, and new friends, I'll get ready for that. 

 Monday was Presidents day and we were extra lazy again. I'm telling you we're really uneventful people here y'all!!!! We did take the pups for a walk at a local park that morning, because it was such a beautiful day out. They had a blast and were completely exhausted be time we got home. I guess a two mile loop along a beautiful wooded trail will do that to you. They think they have such a ruff life, please they really have no clue how good they have it. 

 Later that evening I headed over to  Kelly's for our run. I didn't have much motivation after laying around on the couch all afternoon. I knew though I'd feel good after as I always do and what do you know, I felt great!!!! It was the first time trying out my new shoes and I just loved them. They were so soft and were super cushiony. Not to mention they look great on. 

Tuesday the pups got mail, seriously I told you they are spoiled. 

They're bestest puppy friend Ella sent them Valentines Day treats in the mail all the way from Hawaii. 

 Are these not the neatest things you've ever seen. I couldn't get over how cute they were. When we first gave them their treats they were a little hesitant as they didn't really know what it was. Bailey dropped her's in the kitchen and kinda just looked at it. Dingo was off and enjoying his. It finally clicked in Bailey's head that this was something you eat. 

They were preoccupied for the next 20 minutes or so. 

They def. enjoyed it and send a BIG BIG Thank You to Ella!!!!! 

If you haven't read about my day yesterday (Saturday) you should totally check it out HERE.

Rocking & Tooting my own horn, YES!!!! 

When I got home about 12:00pm I crawled into bed with the hubbs. Since he had CQ the day before (Friday) he was still fast asleep. Don't mind at all if I join you. We slept until almost 2pm, we really didn't do anything productive after that. We just moved out lazy sleepy selves down to the couch. 

That night I was in the mood for mexican food, some comfort food at that. We decided to go to our favorite little mexican joint across town. We don't go there that often so its always a special treat when we do. We splurged a little and even got dessert. 

Fried Ice Cream drizzled in honey. 

Does that look so good or what?!?!?!?

Sunday's dinner & dessert:

Fried Chicken, Cheddar Mash Potatoes and Asparagus. 

and for dessert:

Banana Bread.

Asparagus recipe found HERE from the fabulous soon to be momma at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!

Banana Bread recipe found HERE from the new momma of beautiful baby bear. 

I hope you've enjoyed catching up on what we've been up to these last two weeks. Aside from the ever so lovely work week, you can see not much going on here. Some times though its nice that way and I'm def. not complaining.

Our Sunday on Instagram

after spending the morning running around at the lake she was pretty tired on the drive home. 

I hate that our backyard is so small, but we are enjoying the different areas around here were we can take them to run their energy out. 

I absolutely love this little pooch she makes me smile.

after our trip to Weston Lake for some fishin with friends we headed out to lunch. 

Trying a new place again Burger Tavern 77. 

I had a chicken sandwich and let me tell you it was fabulous. We will def. be going back again soon. 

after we got home the hubbs checked the mail, it doesn't run around here till close to 5pm so we normally forget and get it the next day. 

I was so excited to see this "save the date" card in our box!!!! 

I can't wait to head back to Texas here in a few (ok 5) months. One of my favorite chicka's is finally gettin hitched and I have the honor of being one of her bridesmaids. 

after a long day running around playing barking his head off, jumping in the lake, chasing the fishing pole around as if flew through the air. 

This is how he spent the rest of the evening, relaxed laid out on the couch. 

~DAY 213~

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~

Weekend Wrap Up

The ending to another fabulous weekend in Paradise. It started off early with dinner on the beach with Sandy at the Ko'Olina Lagoons. We picked up take out at Assagio's Ristorante Italiano which I'd never had before ummmmmm SOOOO GOOD. I think I might have a new favorite restaurant that we will have to be going to. Chatting away, watching the sunset over the ocean with out a worry in the way was the perfect way to end a busy day.





Date night with a few friends was set for Friday night. We met up and off to Dukes in Waikiki it was, Sandy and I along with two of her friends. I'd never been to Dukes either so another first for me as well. Over all it was pretty good food, a tad pricey if you ask me but totally worth it as we had a fantastic evening. Sandy had bought the cutest little "Hello Kitty pins" and had written "Army Wife" on them and gave them to the 3 of us girls as our "award" she called it. I loved that she took the time to do something sweet to show how much she cares.




After dinner I had plans to meet up with Branch and a few other people for drinks at the Yard House. It was a night in Waikiki, liven it up that is. Chatting away and having a grand time I was about halfway through my drink and wasn't so crazy about it any more. That's just when they decided a trip to Dave & Busters was a must. I was all over it, big kid games are you kidding what could be more fun at midnight :) I had not been there since my 16th birthday which was forever ago. My talent on the arcade games showed as well, I totally sucked at the racing games and skee ball was not my thing either, I managed to do OK on basketball but still sucked lol. Everyone was a good sport about it and laughed right along with me.

Saturday Branch and I had plans to hang out and go shopping for a birthday party I was suppose to be going to. We ended up meeting up with T and having lunch with her at Dixie Grill another one of our favorite Dine In's. Ummmm I could eat me some BBQ all day long.




That night we all met back up at the Shack in Mililani for the evening, drinks and a good band playing, was a great way to end the evening. Singing and dancing along with everyone just hanging out, this is the life in paradise lol only if he was here to enjoy it with me. I'm just glad that we are able to share pictures and stories so he doesn't miss a thing.




Sunday I was invited to a Polo Game that was going on out on the North Shore by my friend Diane. I invited T and Branch to come along as well, so with the "COOOOLER" (they make fun of the way I say it) loaded we opened up the tail gate of the truck popped open a drink and kicked our feet up. I hadn't ever really tail gated before nor had I ever been to a Polo Game. This was the last one of the season and it just so happened to be Army vs. Navy. (who ever knew the Army had a Polo team). I think we all got a kick out of people watching more so than we did the game its self. It was sooooo much fun, the weather was just perfect, it wasn't to hot and there was a nice breeze as well. I hadn't laughed so much until today at the different out fits some of the people were wearing. I mean it was as if they had NO clue as to where they were or what they were doing. Some of them were dressed as if they'd just got back from their Easter Sunday gathering and then the other's looked like there belonged on a nude beach. I think we missed the memo on wearing the big sun hats (which don't get me wrong they were super cute) and the boots as well oh and our favorite HIGH HEALS on the beach. I mean really come on. I can't say that I will jump at the next Polo Game and make sure I don't miss it but it was a blast hanging out enjoying a glass of wine in the back of the truck with some great friends.

I ONLY WISH THAT GABE WAS HERE TO ENJOY THE WEEKENDS WITH ME AS WELL. I know he would have had a great time, I can't wait to be able to go on these crazy adventures with him. I miss my partner in crime, my bestie, my lover, my soul mate oh so so much. LOVE YOU BABY AND HURRY HOME.

Our Weekend 'n a Nut Shell

Date night started off the weekend. Dinner downtown at Out Back Steak House just the hubbs and I. It was nice to get out and enjoy the evening. Nobody with us, no babysitting, no friends nothing JUST Gabe and I. We stuffed our faces and had some good laughs. On the way back we decided to stop and look at the new 2010 Camaro 's. Gabe has been eyeing them for the LONGEST time now. We were both able to test drive one (each a different one) and it was nice but I still love my Challenger more. It has more features that the Camaro doesn't and I've gotten use to them and can't see giving that up. It is kinda fun to be able to say we both drove one. I was so nervous for whatever reason diving it and couldn't wait to get back to the car lot. On the other hand Gabe hit the gas full speed ahead and didn't look back at the dust he left.

Saturday morning we were up early and headed to meet our friend Rebecca for a trip to the Farmers Market in Honolulu. See her hubby is coming home soon for R&R and she wanted to have some fresh fruits and veggies for him and invited us along. It was allot of fun, and I can't wait to go back. They had some of the prettiest flowers and plants for sale, although I opted not to get any because I have a worst time keeping plants alive. We found a booth that made REAL southern food with SWEET Tea. It wasn't Texas Sweet Tea but it was good. They was also a booth that made pizza that was to die for. Rebecca also had me try boiled peanuts which I had never tryed before. They were ummmm ok I guess you could say. Don't know that it is something that I would want to eat again or regularly for that matter. I am definitely going to be visiting the farmers market allot more in the near future.






We then headed to the 2010 Pet Expo which is The Biggest Local Pet Event of the Year in Hawaii. There were so many dogs of all sizes, colors and breeds. It was crazy to see that many in one place. Since we came from the farmers market we didn't have our two lil pooches with us. But not to worry they were on our mind the whole time. We picked them up some yummy treats, homemade served on a platter at that. There were some of the cutest little outfits and I was so tempted to get one for Bailey Girl but I just don't think she'd wear it. We had a great time a the Pet Expo and are looking forward to next years.






Dinner plans with the Burns, whom Gabe hadn't met so I was really looking forward to the evening. We were bringing dessert and I wanted to make something extra tasty and something new at that I hadn't made before. I found a Peach Cobbler with Cinnamon Swirl Biscuits recipe in one of my books and took a shot at it. I was SOOOO Happy it turned out FANTASTIC and everyone loved it. Dinner was great and the company we were with was just as good. I can't wait to get together with The Burns again. I am so blessed to have met Sandy and even though our husbands are not in the same unit (which is a good thing in this situation ) we will be going through this upcoming deployment together. Having built a support system here with wives that are going and have been going through the same thing that I am going to be going through AGAIN is going to help. Not at all make it any easier but it will help the time go by and keep me busy.



Sunday we got up and took the pups to the Wheeler Bark park to let them run around for a bit and get some of their energy out. I love taking them and seeing them run around like crazy and chase after each other. They just have so much fun, I don't know what it is but I could sit and watch them play for hours. When Gabe and I were sitting on the tail gate I wondered if they could jump up with us and sure enough they could. Gabe and his bright ideas decided to see how they would do if he drove around the field with them in the back. He slowly made circles in the field around me, as I stood and watched Dingo bounce from side to side. All of a sudden I glanced away for a split second and when I looked back Dingo was jumping out of the truck. I know it's not funny but I couldn't stop laughing because its totally something that he would do. Gabe stopped and what did Bailey do....we she jumped out as well over the side. OMG, really they are freaking crazy. Well we wont be trying that one again. Thankfully they were ok, off and running as soon as their feet hit the ground.





We did a bit of shopping this afternoon, I managed to find a spice rack and a cookbook holder both that I'd been looking for. (I'm slowly redoing our kitchen making it a bit more fun and attractive lol ) Gabe made out well at Sports Authority with a new water bottle (he lost his last week ) and some PT stuff. He's always looking for new ways to work out and train his guys. I love how excited he gets over the smallest things, its so cute. We came home and did a bit of house work kinda bummed around for the evening, washed the cars together and I even cooked a wonderful dinner for the two of us. Dessert included, a White cake with Strawberry icing and pink sprinkles on top. Its one of my fav's.




We spent the rest of the night cuddled together on the couch in each others arms, just were I LOVE to be. It's were I feel safest and myself.