Which one are you?

As I was driving home this afternoon, I drove past a church. We've all seen the little messages they put on their signs out front, but rarely do I see one that really hits home.

It read, "Are you a good example or a horrible warning?"

I try to be and like to think that I'm a good example, but it so many aspects I truly feel like a horrible warning. I know that it all stems from my self-esteem and "need for perfection" issues, but nevertheless, that church succeeded with their message today. It really made me think.

Oh, and I didn't come up with that label about perfection for myself. My college psychology professor tagged me with that one b/c I was bummed that I got a "B" on an exam once. Yes, I have issues, but we aren't even going there.

So which one are you? Do you even care which one you are?

The newest member of the herd

Since our house was being shown Saturday morning, we skipped out and went to Wilmington for a little shopping. We all know how much I love cows, and my kitchen is done in cobalt blue, black, and white with cows scattered about. THIS is the newest addition.



When we saw her, we both giggled uncontrollably because Gracie sits like this. Granted, Gracie doesn't hold a book and a bucket, but she regularly strikes that "sitting Buddha" pose with her jiggle belly poking out and her tail wrapped around her.

The best thing, other than it being a COW, is that the belly is a chalkboard! No more wondering, "Where can I put this note so The Hub will see it?"

I can't wait to get into our new house so that I can unpack her and introduce her to the rest of the herd. ;)

::Groan:: Oh, SO too full!

Chinese food...it's what's for dinner.

I decided to order take-out tonight, and now I'm miserably full. Cashew chicken (picked out all the mushrooms *blick*) and crab rangoons from China Garden do it every time.

Rush hour in this town is horrible, but the food was well worth dealing with the traffic and witnessing 1 car accident and THREE near misses. The traffic in this town is a whole 'nother post that would turn into a novel.

For now, I'm going to waddle to the couch, stretch out, and do some knitting while parked in front of the TV. Afterall, it *is* NCIS night!

An accent? Me?

I saw this quiz on Hunzer's blog.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
Philadelphia
The Midland
The Northeast
The Inland North
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Fun weekend

This past Saturday night was our unit's Ball. As much as I had dreaded it, we had a great time. It wasn't without its moments of drama, but overall, I'm glad I went. We got a room and spent the night there at the hotel, so we didn't have to worry about driving home afterwards.

Here's the view from our room. Isn't that just too fabu for words? *sigh* So peaceful. Yes, as soon as we got checked in, we were out on those docks!


After the "Reception" (read that as cocktail hour), everyone was seated, and the ceremony began. Speeches, speeches, *yawn*, more speeches. Then came the cake cutting ceremony. Traditionally, the first piece of cake is given to the oldest Marine present. This "old man" and his wife are a complete HOOT! I think the world of them.

At all the other Balls I've been to over the years, the SECOND piece of cake is given to the youngest Marine present. At this one, though, the first piece was tasted by the oldest Marine and then passed on to the youngest to symbolize the passing of the torch, so to speak. I've always seen the cake cut with a sword also, but that wasn't done here. *sigh* I digress... The youngest Marine always makes me feel OLD. This year's was born at the beginning of MY SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL!! *groan* Before long, they'll be the ones born the same year as my kids.

Anyway, here's a not so great pic of the cake. Who doesn't love cake? It was GOOD, too.


After the ceremony, we had dinner. This year they had a very good idea. Instead of the fiasco of who wants chicken, who wants beef, blahblahblah, they did kind of a combo plate. We had a small piece of steak (cooked just right IMO, but not done enough for The Hub's taste), a small boneless chicken breast (which they didn't season), and a skewer of grilled shrimp along with steamed veggies and mashed potatoes (real ones, not that instant crap). I liked it.

After dinner and cake came dancing. THIS is where the fun began (being sarcastic AND truthful here). I made some friends, laughed, danced, played Mother Hen, mediated, ran interference, drank beer...you get the picture.

Since I griped ALL last week about the dress, I guess I should show a pic of it, huh? It's NOT my best work, and I didn't love the dress, but it was comfy (as formals go). As many pics as were taken that night, there are none of the full view of the dress. It's long in the back, but comes up to a point at about the knees in the middle of the front. The shoes lasted about 2 hours, and then I went barefoot (yes, even outside). This is NOT unusual for me. Before the night was over (which was 4am for me), I was in jeans and a polar fleece. Here's a pic of us. Amazing what nine years does to a person. Something weird with the pic that makes one of The Hub's eyes look wonky, but it wasn't like that on the original pic.

Yep, that's a Corona in The Hub's hand. My beer was on the table behind the camera. There were A LOT of those consumed that night. ;) We had a lot to celebrate...the Marine Corps birthday, our anniversary, and The Hub's promotion. And boy, did we celebrate!

It's official!

Thirteen years in the making, countless deployments, more BS than any human should have to wade thru, but it is official. Say hello to the GUNNY !





Of course afterwards, his troops (ALL of whom think he walks on water) swarmed around him to congratulate him.



I even got up at 5:30 this morning AND wore a dress for this occasion!

He's worked so hard for this, dreamed of this day since he joined the Corps, and now it's a reality. I'm SO proud of him and all he's accomplished.