Neglected

I haven't been keeping up with my blog and the 30 days of me...
My husband is on leave and We have been spending TONS of time together. No time for blogging- But hey, I'm not complaining. We've been having a blast!

Friday night we went to a Country Western club/ bar with some friends. My husband is not a fan whatsoever of country music. I know.. I know.. He's from Tennessee and doesn't like country music.. anyway, We get in and we con a couple of our friends to ride the mechanical bull. It was hilarious. Everyone tried to get my husband to get on it.. he just wasn't drunk enough I guess... well, wasn't really drunk at all at that point.

The husband drank a little more, and well.. the true Nashvillian came out. SOMEHOW.. for someone who despises country music so much.. he knew a lot of the songs played there. Caught him singing many of them. Then, my husband drug me to the dance floor.. to line dance, which I hadn't done since I was about 12- eek. He had never line danced in his life and did far better than I did. He was a hoot to watch. Our whole group got a kick out of him.

And around 1-130am.. we got kicked out. Ha. Husband had one too many Jack and Cokes.

Since then we've helped a friend move, hungout with some friends- watched tons of football, went out to eat... and well, just enjoyed the time we have just being together.

Tomorrow is our 2 year wedding anniversary. Not real sure what he has planned, but I do know we are going to act like a couple kids and go to an arcade where I can whoop his butt in some Skeeball! Oh yes. Definitely not your traditional anniversary- but this is SO us. We love having fun together and laughing. We can watch a movie and go to dinner anytime we want, tomorrow is a day for just us to have fun and enjoy each other. What better way than to bring the kid out in each other? I think it's a great plan.

He has the majority of the rest of the week off. So, I will again be neglecting my blog for a bit more. But I will jump back in where I left off with my "30 days of me" and maybe a little bit about his leave and our time spent together. Oh, be sure to keep up with Goodnight moon. I'm guest blogging over there next week ;)

It's only Astro Turf

Do you know people who are always, "I wish I had this", "You have it easier".. etc? I think we all atleast know someone who is this way... also sometimes known as a "One-Upper". The, "Grass is greener on the other side" person. Sometimes, unknowingly.. it may be us. 

I try my best to NOT be one of those people, because honestly.. They get to me. Too much negativity. It's one thing for theses things to cross one's mind, but to constantly vocalize it.. Is that not complaining? To me, that person just seems so unhappy. Why would you want people to perceive you that way? I don't want people looking at me as a "Debbie Downer".

I admit it, I have thought, "I wish my husband had your schedule", or "I wish my husband was only gone for a weekend of training like yours instead of 6 weeks..", BUT I don't say that. I Refuse to say anything of the sort because WE ALL HAVE IT HARD being affiliated with the military. Who am I to say you have it easier compared to my husband and myself? And vice versa. YOU don't know what it's like on my end, and I don't know what it's like for you. You don't know what our schedule is like... etc. What's sad is when "Friends" are the ones "One Upping" you. I think some people think their husband.. or their husband's job is God's gift to the military branch they are associated with. These are the people I believe we need to separate ourselves from, Get rid of all negativity.

No branch is more important than the other. No Rate-JOB is better than any other in the military. And by better, I mean more important. I'm going to use a Ship as an example. Every Rate on the ship is there for a reason, they all work together for that ship to move. Your husband's job isn't the only thing that can prevent them from pulling in or pulling out. Something goes wrong with the Nukes- It can change the schedule.. If something goes wrong with the Hanger-bay Elevators- it can change the schedule. If something goes wrong with the Weapons elevators- it can change a schedule.. If Security isn't on the boat- it's going to change the schedule.. You get my point. EVERYTHING has to work together.. for the ship to "Run". From a Undesignated Rate, to a Nuke, to an Ordnanceman, to an IT to the Captain- They all have a reason on that ship. If they didn't have a purpose on that ship, they Navy wouldn't waste money on them. So don't put your husband's job on a pedestal and say it's "more important".

Coming up on Deployment, I realize these are the people I need to stay away from. These people can affect your mood, and I'm seeing them start to affect mine.. to the point where I anger easily, and I'm usually really good with controlling my anger. I need to surround myself with people who aren't saying "You have it easier" to bring me down because IT'S HARD ON ME TOO. Not just YOU.. Military Schedules are tough on EVERYONE. I'm going to take myself away from the negativity and  keep with the ones who are positive, and are uplifting rather than a downer.

The point I was trying to make is that The grass may look greener on the other side, but its only AstroTurf! You've been dealt your cards, now play them the best you can.. stop wanting someone else's hand.. Hope I said that without sounding crazy.. and hopefully you got the gist of what I was trying to say. Appreciate what you have, appreciate any time you have. Make the best with what YOU have!

My husband works 14+ hours a day, comes home eats.. and then sleeps- then we start it all over again. I'm not complaining. Yes, It's hard. BUT I'm extremely grateful for that hour or two I get a day to see my husband to talk to my husband. I am also grateful that because of his schedule, I am strong enough to not break down when he's gone for a 6 week underway (predeployment training) Because I'm use to not seeing him. We get to talk more when he's underway, even if it's just through email. Some people don't see their husband at all right now... And won't for a year or more. There are women who have children with Deployed husbands... Not to mention, think of the kids with deployed dads.. and mothers.

Noone should be One-Upped. We are all in tough situations. After all, are we not all in this together?

Giveaway Winner!- Final Notice

  Jessica- Me, Him and The Army- please contact me by Friday
ChristinaLRush@yahoo.com

I'm Re-posting this because the Winner never contacted me. Giveaway winner was announced September 6.

**If I receive no contact by Friday, Then Sarah from Confessions of a Sailor's wife will receive the book. 

Jessica over at Me, Him and the Army is the giveaway winner! :D You will receive the book: Surviving Deployment: A guide for Military Families" by Karen M. Pavlicin.

Please send me an Email with your full name and address so I can get your prize to you (email ChristinaLRush@yahoo.com).

Thank you to all of you who entered. I will do another book giveaway soon!

PS- I love "The Hat", I put in the names.. Hit shuffle.. wahlah- Winner! :D

Day 09 – Your beliefs

I have a post similar to what this one will be. But, I'm going to go with it- and hopefully kick it up a notch.

It is my belief that we all have our own opinions and beliefs, with that being said- we shouldn't attack each other for our thoughts.

I believe marriage is more than just a piece of paper. I think my ring is more than just a piece of frivolous jewelry. Both are sentiments to me. Both are proof of my promise to my husband, to my marriage. Yeah, sure- anyone can get married, but not just anyone can keep their promise. Sure, a girlfriend can love her boyfriend just as much as a wife can love her husband. But, in my opinion, a girlfriend is the trials to what can turn into a great marriage. A fiance is the next step- saying "I want to spend my life with you", "I'm ready to make that lifelong commitment". Marriage is forever- Well, it should be, it's supposed to be.

I believe in God, but I'm not the best Christian. Yes- I do question a lot of things. I'm a questioner. I was raised with Christian Values, and although I stumble a lot with my faith, my beliefs that were instilled in me growing up stand strong.

I believe that homosexuality is wrong. Men and women are like puzzle pieces- they fit together the way they should. Homosexuality, to me, is forcing two pieces together that aren't supposed to be a match.
With this subject, I also believe that the Military "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy should stay. I believe this for several reasons, but am not going to explain them here. Search a few blogs back to find my post on DADT. I Do not believe people are born gay, I do think it's a choice. You don't have to agree with me- that's your belief, this one is mine.

I believe in ghosts/ spirits. Too many crazy things have happened to me and my family for there not to be.

It is my belief that the death penalty is not used nearly enough... or even better- instead of the death penalty, we should torture those who without a doubt have committed murder, rape.. etc. Death is an easy way out, but I don't think that locking them up with cable TV, recreation time, better food than the military gets.. etc. is punishment. It's a vacation for some. Not to mention they get free health-care, dental and education while there.

I believe the health-care reform is a load of crap. Refer to post from many months ago.

I believe this whole "Pull out of Iraq" is an empty lie. Yea sure, it's being said that it's no longer a "combat zone".. so that means we're "pulling out". Ha. Yeah right. Lets just label it a "Training Zone" and make everyone think Obama fulfilled his promise. People are still deploying to Iraq, and doing the same darn thing they do in a "Combat Zone".... guess this is 'live' training.

I believe that people who drink and drive should have harsher punishment. Especially celebrities- sheesh, some role models. Know too many people who have lost their lives, or have taken someone else's because of this selfish act.

I believe that I should have been born in the 1940's.. Pretty sure I belong there.

I believe you make your own Happiness- Too many people blame someone else, and even more-so.. I see people blaming the Military. Pure stupidity in my opinion.

I believe in the Right to Bar Arms- Don't try to take away mine and my families guns.

I do not believe hunting is immoral. I once saw an picture of an advertisement. The ad said "Hunters should be ashamed of themselves, shooting an animal is so inhumane. Why not go to the store and buy meat the humane way?!" hmm.. ok, I think I prefer the taste of a happy, free, non hormone induced animal that was killed in a slaughter house. I have been hunting myself. I have shot, gutted, cooked and ate a deer, and squirrel. I grew up eating meat that was brought in by my family- and not from a store. I have ate deer, cow, goat, pig, chicken, turkey, pigeon, quail, dove, squirrel, rabbit, frog legs, crawdads..  Lord knows what else. My parents rarely bought meat from a store. Just one deer would feed my family of 6 for months growing up.

I believe in Freedom. So many take that for granted.

I believe that Google has the answer to everything.

I believe abortion is wrong, except in cases of Rape and situations where it could/ would kill the mother & child. I think being in the perspective of someone who has had multiple miscarriages, that child could have been given to someone more deserving.

I believe that Sunday's Titans game against the Steelers was complete crap. Titans straight up gave it away.

I believe I'm done with this post.

Day 08 – A moment

I should have posted this two days ago, so forgive me for trying to catch  up.

A moment, I assume this means to talk about any moment?

I'm going to write about a moment- a time that was so hard for me, but at the same time, I got one of the best feelings ever imaginable.

In July 2008- Mine and my husband's first miscarriage. No, I'm not saying that the miscarriage was the best feeling ever imaginable, because it was just the opposite. Keep reading.
When I found out I was pregnant, my husband and I were extremely scared. We didn't want anyone to know until we were ready. So, it stayed between us, one of his friends and one of mine. When he and I were alone- I could see the excitement in his face. He would place his hands on my belly and would talk to it. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. It was a moment when I know his whole world had changed.

When he and I first met, he didn't want kids, it was a big question to him. When I found out I was pregnant, I saw that his whole view of wanting kids had completely changed.

When I miscarried, it was the hardest thing I had ever faced. I think it was for my husband as well. But it was the moments of embracing each other and being there for each other that got us through, that kept our heads up- and brought us even more closer.

Day 07 – Your best friend

How cute is this picture?!

My best friend.. well this one is Easy-smeazy.

First off, What do I think defines a "Best Friend"?
To me, a best friend is someone you trust more than anyone else. The person you feel you can talk to about everything, the one you can always count on no matter what. This person can put a smile on your face in no time. They know everything about you. A best friend is the one who knows you best, the one you can be completely yourself around and be totally comfortable with. This person doesn't judge you, they are your shoulder to cry on, your therapist at times. It is a person you want to call or talk to immediately when something exciting happens, and when something bad happens as well. You Love this person like family- sometimes, that person is family. 

I could continue on with my definition, but I assume you get my point.

My best friend is also the love of my life- he is my husband.
He fits every bit of my definition of what a best friend means to me. I consider myself lucky to have such an amazing husband and best friend-This is when he would tell me "It's not luck if it's meant to be".. See why I call him Mr. Amazing?!

I am blessed.

Day 06 – Your day

Today was a pretty good day. The husband and I slept in, well for some it's not sleeping in, we woke up about 0645, we typically get up between 0200-0230 every morning. So, 0645 is definitely sleeping in.

We had to go to Norfolk to try and figure out what is going on with the RPP with our complex. Everything is set up- Housing is just waiting on the Navy to release money to them, for some reason they are not. Now our complex is threatening to change our lease and charge us the deposits that we got out of by signing up for RPP.  Did we get everything sorted? No.. we have to find the PSD building on base and noone can seem to give us accurate directions to it. The husband is going to go the the small PSD on his ship, but it's not definite he'll figure out anything there- I've called and talked to 3 different people with housing, We went to Fleet and Family.. So, fingers crossed that someone on the ship can tell him what he needs to do- and tell him right this time because his chief told him wrong.

After all that fun stuff- We went to the NEX and then realized the husband forgot his patches at home he needed for his new dress blues we needed to buy- so, now that's been put off until Sunday. But we got to check out all the new renovations they have been doing to the NEX.. It's looking pretty nice, so much bigger and the upstairs is a really nice version of Sears in my opinion.

Then it was time for groceries. The commissary wasn't that busy when we first got there, and it started getting crowded and we decided to get out of there. So, now we have food for a month. I love buying bulk meat. Saves us so much money!

We came home, put away the food and then my husband prepared the food to be grilled this evening. He grilled some hot wings, shish kabobs, grilled corn on the cob.. It was delish! He invited a buddy over to enjoy it wish us.

Now we are all sitting here taking turns playing video games- Broke out some scene it on the xbox, now I'm watching them go at it on the original Sega with NBA Hangtime.. and we're about to play some 007 on the Nintendo 64.. It's been a fun night. They don't know what they have coming with the 007 ;) I own at that game.

Hopefully, we will be off to bed soon. My hubby is helping me finish my photography home studio (room we're using as a studio) tomorrow. Just gotta set up the lights! :D

Day 05 – Your definition of loveDay

LoveDay? Honestly, I have never heard of it.. So, instead of looking it up.. I'm just going to go with what my head is telling me to type out. If you are reading this, and you actually know what that day is.. do share.

LoveDay, Is it another Valentine's day? Why do we have just one day to express our love for our significant other? Although I do enjoy Valentine's day, I feel like sometimes there's too much pressure to make the night perfect and to go over the top- my husband and I just enjoy the time we have together, maybe go to a movie or rent one, maybe go out to eat.. or maybe eat-in. It's not about how flashy the night is, it's about the each of us just being together.

Or is LoveDay something completely different? Is it a day where we all show appreciation for one another and have a caring and helpful heart? Not just for your significant other, but for everyone- as in helping them out, lending a hand where needed?

I guess it could be many things. I didn't want to look it up and make this blog post seem like a research paper.

Day 04 – What you ate today

I meant to post this last night, but my husband was home and I like to spend every minute I can with him.. especially with Deployment on the horizon.

What did I eat yesterday? Honestly, Yesterday I didn't eat so well. Was so busy, everything was just quick meals. We are in need of a commissary trip.. That comes tomorrow. 

I skipped breakfast, which I know I need to stop doing that. I started doing very well eating granola and banana for breakfast- I guess I'll start back on that. I really should!

For Lunch I had a small bowl of Chicken noodle soup and I had an itching for some chicken nuggets, and I happened to have a bag of the Tyson chicken nuggets in the freezer- I know, totally unhealthy.

For dinner, The husband and I went to McDonalds- and I ate like a fat kid. I had a Big Mac.. again, totally unhealthy.

Writing this... I see that yesterday was a totally unhealthy day for me.. Today was no better. But starting tomorrow- I am going to get back on my health kick!

When the husband is at sea- I thought I wasn't eating that well.. but I think I was eating better than what I am now.. Plus I was doing P90X.. gotta figure out how to maintain all this WITH him being home too.

Words from my husband

I had a set of questions I stole from another blogger forever ago- they were to ask your husband. I never did it. Why? I have no clue! I saw them pop up again by a couple other bloggers I follow the other day. So, I decided to finally join in on the fun.. and to see what my husband would answer to them.


1. What is the first thing you noticed about your wife when you met?

Her eyes.

2. What is something your wife does that drives you crazy? (In a bad way, let's not get freaky on here!)

When I ask what she wants to do, she gives me a hard time.

(We're both so indecisive. He wants me to make all the plans- I want him to make the plans)

3. If money wasn't an option, what is one thing you would make sure you always had done for your wife?

She could have whatever she wants

4. When do you find your wife most attractive?

Everyday

5. What does your wife do for you that you totally appreciate and would miss if it was gone? (Be specific)

Everything

(I added the "Be Specific" because I knew he'd put everything lol- didn't work.)

6. If you had your wedding day to do over again and everything was in your call, would you keep everything the same? Change something? Everything? Elope, or if you eloped- vice versa?

I would keep it the same.

(Our wedding was pretty great.. It was so us. <3)

7. What is one Beauty up keep that you wish your wife didn't do? Or what is one beauty secret that you wish she did do?

You're good. 

(I had to get him to explain his answer to me. He said that I don't wear too much makeup when I wear it, and he likes when I don't wear any- which is most of the time)

8. If you could go or be anywhere in the world with your wife right now, where would that be?

Hawaii

9. What's one moment you wish you could go back and relive with your wife just to get to experience it again? Would you change anything?

Our Honeymoon- and I'd buy better wine. 

(The wine we bought.. was gross! The salesman said it was a best seller- Not possible. But it did make a hell of a steak marinade!)

10. What do you Love most about your wife?

I love every bit of her, with my whole heart.

He's not a man of many words.. But he's mine. He's my best friend, my Mr. Amazing (he got this nickname when we first started talking.. because he is.. he's amazing.) Today, thinking of him- I have Kate Earl's- Nobody lyrics running through my head. I love him. <3

Day 03 – Your parents

Most people have 2 parents. I have 4.

When I was a baby, My parents were divorced. Before I was 2, my Mom remarried to my now step-dad. My dad remarried to the wicked witch of the west- Which didn't last long (THANK GOD!). A few years later, my dad started dating my now step-mom when I was about 5, I don't think they got married until I was about 12-ish. I can remember dates- no problem, Years.. not so much.

Due to the divorce and the conflict between my mom and dad, my brother and I didn't take the divorce very well. I think because of this, it made us both Very hot headed and we threw temper tantrums like no other- But that's for another day, another blog. This is about my parents.

I saw My dad every other weekend, sometimes for longer spurts over the summer. My dad spoiled us. Sometimes, looking back- I think he did it to play us against my mom, but I never thought of it then. I was somewhat of a Daddy's girl growing up I guess.. but at the same time, I felt like he didn't love me as much as my brother. He would go to all my older brother's sport events, and all the way up to and through high school would go to his band concerts. I hardly remember him going to any of my games growing up. And he never came to my band concerts in middle school. In 4 seasons of soccer, my dad came to just 3 games. One of which he was my ride to and home and it was an hour from home, so I feel like he stayed for that because he had to. He came to one of my band concerts in more than 5 years, and it was my very last ones. When I made all county band and made all-state, he wasn't there. I try not to hold that against him, but my grandparents and friends came to more of my events than he did growing up. I feel like he missed out on what was something super important to me growing up. I love him all the same, but I wish he'd been a bigger part of my life. And even now, I talk to my step mom more than I do my dad... and she and I rarely talk with me being 13 hours from home.

My mom is awesome. I wish I would have known that when I was younger. She was strict on me.. more on me than she was my 3 siblings. Growing up, I held it against her... but now, I'm thankful for it because I know I'm a better person for it. My step-dad has always been there too. He took care of us. Growing up, we weren't rich, we didn't have the nicest of things.. but I think because of this- we appreciated more. They had 4 kids to take care of, and the had custody of my cousin (I think she was 16ish) and she had 2 babies. My mom couldn't work- there was no way to afford child care. She was taking care of 4 babies that were in diapers, then me, my brother and my cousin. I remember eating a lot of Ramen noodles, Spam, Fried Bologna, and potted meat for lunch. I remember my step-dad going hunting all the time to give us food on our table. We raised chickens, we raised rabbits.. my mom had a small garden, they raised food for us. (Yes, we ate rabbit.. it's quite good-you should try it.). We didn't have much, but we had each other. I remember them both being at a lot of our games growing up, I remember my step-dad reading to me when I was just 3 years old... I remember him giving me $5 when I stole the ball from the other team in basketball. My mom always encouraged my artsy-nerdy side. She loved me playing the flute, and the piano. She'd sneak in my room to get my sketch book to show it off to family and friends without me knowing. I think because of that, is why I love graphics so much. I know she is the reason I'm so passionate about photography, she shares it too. My mom and step-dad have been married for more than 20 years now.. I can't wait until my husband and I get to that point.

My parents, all 4 of them, have made me who I am today. I have a little of each of them in me in some way.  Some people hate having divorce parents, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 02 – Your first love

My first love... hmm.. I have been sitting here and thinking about what to write for this for about 10 minutes..
Trying to figure out what to type and how I want to type it.. Why is this tough for me?

I sit here thinking about all my past relationships- Before meeting my husband. There were 2 times that I "Thought" I was "In Love". But did I really love them? I don't think so, I know I didn't. I can honestly say without a doubt that my husband is the first man I have ever loved whole heartedly.

I once dated a guy for nearly 2 years. I was a freshman nobody, and he was a senior football player. He cheated, played mind games.. you name it. I was just 15. I think I wanted to be able to say those words. I wanted to say "I love you". Everyone did it.. I had been dating him a while- It's what you were supposed to do in high school. After 2 years of it- him cheating, him breaking up with me.. I got tired of it. I wanted nothing to do with him. Sadly, I guess it's one of those situations where "You want what you can't have".. 7 years of dealing with him. He pretty much became my stalker and I had to threaten a restraining order... Twice. I could have had him put in jail for one thing he did to me- But I told noone because I felt people would say that I deserved it or I set myself up for it. Although I said, "I love you" to him.. I didn't. It was infatuation I guess.

The end of my Junior year, I started dating my best guy friend. This was the guy that everyone said I should date, the one people joked about me marrying. Pre-dating we'd write notes to each other in class and give them to each other between classes. In band we'd send notes back and forth. There were several times people would ask if he and I were dating because we were seen together so much. He was one of those guys that My boyfriend's disliked because I was always talking about him- and didn't even notice. Before he left for college, he told me he didn't want to be with anyone else and couldn't bare the thought of me being with someone else, especially without him home to protect me from the "Ass holes" I would always date. A year later, I had a situation that happened.. and I was staying in a camper. Slept in that camper for 3 months. Come August, he was going to be leaving for school again. He packed me up and moved me with him. He took care of me. We argued like crazy- all the time. I knew that we weren't "Meant to be", but I was comfortable where I was, I relied on him to take care of me. I had lost my independence. I "loved" him just because I "needed" him. That's not "True Love".  Took more than 3 years, him breaking up with me and a trip to Texas to spend 2 weeks with him to see that I didn't love him.. not in that "True Love" kinda way. The Texas trip did it for me. I realized so much about everything with that relationship. It wasn't who I was.. I had lost myself. BUT I am so thankful for that relationship.. Had I of not went through the heartache.. and everything that followed trying to regain my independence, I wouldn't have been able to see my relationship with my now husband for what it was.

When I met my husband, I didn't want to get into another relationship. For more than 2 months, everything we talked about was work related. I finally let loose at work and we started cutting up. He was 2 years younger. I thought he was cute, but I honestly wasn't interested... but for some reason, this guy gave me butterflies and I couldn't remember the last time I had smiled that much.. It felt like more than a year since I had smiled like that. Honestly, I was probably  more than a year since I smiled that much. But I didn't want to date him, I had shielded my heart. He was too shy to ask me for my number after a few days of cutting up at work. So, one night we were talking about funny text messages. I had just received one.. showed it to him and he thought it was hilarious and he gave me his number to forward it to him. He's so sly.. he wasn't interested in the text- he was getting my number. That's when it all started. I closed the store that night, got home around midnight. The next morning at about 7am I get a text that says "Wake your butt up!".. I wanted to kill him, but at the same time I smiled. We started texting non stop. After we started talking a bit more, He was still too shy to ask me out on a date. Wanna know how he did it? The world series was coming up. Boston VS The Rockies. I'm a huge Sox fan- He knew this by the bracelet I wore every day. So, he made a bet with me while we were working one night. If the Sox won, he had to take me out to dinner. If the Rockies won, I had to take him out. He wasn't a Rockies fan, And he was sure the Sox would win. Of course Boston won (yay!). Before our "bet" date.. He would come to work on his days off just to spend my 15 minute break with me. This is when our first kiss happened.. to this day, we don't know how it happened. He started tickling me and the next thing I know we're kissing. We stopped and he looks at me and said, "I don't know how exactly that happened". I'll never forget it. He took me to carve pumpkins.. I hadn't carved pumpkins since I was 12 or younger. He made me feel like a kid again, made me feel special. Carving pumpkins is now our new tradition. I love it. The rest is history, we were inseparable. I had my independence, and I had someone who I didn't loose myself with, and someone who made me a better person. 3 years later- I still get those same butterflies. I still look at him the same way as I did when he broke down that wall I had surrounded my heart with. This is True Love. Unconditional love. It's everything.


I so totally just wrote a book on my blog..

Day 01 – Introduce Yourself

My Name is Christina. I'm in my early 20's-Nearing mid 20's (where has the time went? Geez). Born and Raised outside Nashville, Tennessee I'm a good Ole fashioned country girl.

I'm a very happy person, rarely do you NOT see me smiling. I'm a very talkative person, but yet growing up- I was extremely shy, especially when it come to meeting new people. Now, I'll talk to anyone.. I've turned into quite the little socialite.

I had my first job when I was just 14 years old. I think because of this, I appreciate everything I have so much more. I worked for it.

I worked at a Grocery store for 3 years. I worked my way up to an office manager. For a 20-21 year old- It wasn't too shabby, wasn't the greatest either.. but it paid the rent and the bills- even though I was eating Peanut butter sandwiches 2-3 times a day. I think My dog at better some days- But she's totally worth it. I'll get to her in a minute.

While working at the grocery store. I met the man that would become my husband. Had you of told me I would marry him when I first met him, I would have told you you were full of it! He is 2 years younger than me. I swore I would never date a younger guy. And I had joked to my sister in law that the Next guy that I would date- I would marry. Little did I know.. that would hold true. Little did I know, he would change my life. A year of dating and then we were married on Sept. 27, 2008 (Almost 2 years ago!). Then we began a new Journey- Navy Life. A month after our wedding, he left for Navy Bootcamp. Today, we are still on that journey.

I have an amazing American Pit Bull Terrier. Her name is Riley, but we call her Roo-Roo (Roo for short) because when she's excited- She "Roos". She is my absolute world. She is 4 years old and I got her when she was about 4 1/2 weeks old. She's my little rescue pup. Not so little anymore.. nearly 55lbs. ACTUAL Breed standard to a T. Some people look at her ant think she's not a pitty.. but those people are blinded of what an actual APBT is.

I have a very obnoxious kitty names Musket. He's just over a year old. I found him dodging cars in a Sonic parking lot. He fit in the palm of my had. I thought HE was a SHE. His name at the Time was "Little Miss", I went to VA to apartment hunt for a few days, come home and my mother in law informs me that SHE had grew balls and I needed to change her name to "Little Dude". The husband decided to name him Musket. We call him Mus for short.. and occasionally- "Little Bastard". If you knew this cat, you would understand.

I have been designing graphics for 5 years now. I run a Tshirt shop called CRushGFX (look me up on FB!).

I also do Photography. It's been something I've been passionate about for a while, but now am taking the actions to pursue it.

I have a slight obsession with music- Ok, big obsession.

I swear I think I should have been born in the 1940's.

I Modeled for nearly 3 years- I've considered getting back into it. 

I like being creative.

I'm a busy body, I'm constantly doing some kind of project. Whether it's painting, drawing, sewing, decorating, designing, photography.. etc.

I love reading.. It's my new found love. I Love reading anything I can learn from. I LOVE learning new things. I know- I'm a nerd.. But I'm the coolest nerd you'll ever meet.

How bout some pictchas...

The Hubs and Me :)

Riley- Roo

Musket aka "Little Bastard"
He's much bigger than he looks- 15lbs!

Anyway.. Welcome to my crazy life :)

30 Days of Christina

I've decided to Jump on the Band wagon and Do a 30 days of Me. I stole this from Samantha over at Navy Doll. Lets Hope I can stick with it. Look for Day 1 in my next Blog Post. Hope I don't Bore you!

Here are the days:

Day 01 – Introduce

Day 02 – Your first love

Day 03 – Your parents

Day 04 – What you ate today

Day 05 – Your definition of loveDay

Day 06 – Your day

Day 07 – Your best friend

Day 08 – A moment

Day 09 – Your beliefs

Day 10 – What you wore today

Day 11 – Your siblings

Day 12 – What’s in your bag

Day 13 – This week

Day 14 – What you wore today

Day 15 – Your dreams

Day 16 – Your first kiss

Day 17 – Your favorite memory

Day 18 – Your favorite birthday

Day 19 – Something you regret

Day 20 – This month

Day 21 – Another moment

Day 22 – Something that upsets you

Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better

Day 24 – Something that makes you cry

Day 25 – A first

Day 26 – Your fears

Day 27 – Your favorite place

Day 28 – Something that you miss

Day 29 – Your aspirations

Day 30 – One last moment

Never Forget

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”
President George W. Bush

 

Where were you when the planes hit on 9-11? What were the emotions you were feeling? What did you think would happen next?

September 9, 2011- I was just 14 years old. It was my freshman year of high school and I was sitting in my freshman Algebra class. My teacher received a phone call and then she turned on the TV.. It was just after the first plane had hit. I honestly didn't know what was going on. I thought that there was just a fire, and knew nothing about the plane. Then I read the captions, and the Reporter started talking. The second plane hit. This was a terrorist attack. 

I remember just starring at the TV.. absolutely blank. I didn't know what to think. It wasn't registering what was really going on. What was going to happen? Were there going to be more attacks? No one had the answers... But I was sure war was inevitable. I believe war was necessary. 

After processing everything I had saw.. My mind began racing. I was scared, I was shocked, I was sad.. so many emotions were running through my body. I started to get scared for my family. I had a feeling we would go to war. My cousin was in the Army and my brother would soon leave to the Airforce. I just knew that someone I loved was going to go overseas. 

On Spetember 11, 2001, I realized how much pride I had for the United States of America. I realized how much I appreciated our Military, and my family who was going to make sacrifices.. and many other families as well.

My Cousin was sent to Iraq. Every day I worried, every day I prayed.. Not just for him, but for every man and woman overseas fighting and for every person who lost a family member that tragic day. 

Because of 9-11, I have learned to appreciate everything the Military does for us. The sacrifices, the dedication. Everything. Not just the Military- Firefighters and police officers as well.

What I'm getting to is this... I will never forget the event of September 11, 2001. 

This is me.

My name is Christina.
I like to blog when I have something pop in my head. It can be totally random or something I feel strongly about. Typically- something I feel strongly about.
I have a 4 year old American Pit Bull who I think is the greatest dog on the planet.
I have an obnoxious cat that I have a love-hate relationship with.
I am against PETA.
I will not donate money to the Humane society unless it's directly to the shelters themselves- and those shelters have to be No kill and nothing about "Vicious Breeds" being exempt from the no-kill policy (as most are).
I have strong beliefs when it comes to marriage.
I hate cheaters, and cannot be close friends with someone who does so.
I am against Abortion- Except in cases of Rape, or when the mother's life is being threatened or there is no chance of the baby surviving (happens alot with ectopic pregnancies)
I am anti-Obama
I am against Gay marriage.
I am FOR DADT- but think that SOME of it's policies could be changed.
I am against Drinking and driving.
I like Hunting. I eat Deer, Rabbit, Squirrel, Dove, Frog legs, Quail.. Etc.
I do believe they need to secure the borders better.
I Don't think it's fair that a foreigner can come here and start a business and have 7 years tax free- and then after 7 years transfer it to a family member and have 7 more years tax free. (I know this from a friend who is Indian, and they do this and say that they all do when they come here)
I am against Smoking in public (Smoking in general.. )
I am FOR the death penalty.. And I don't think it's used enough.
I don't think people are born gay
I think that 14 year olds should NOT have cellphones
I think that Video game time should be limited to children- this includes high schoolers, and more physical activity should be done
I like the Tennessee Vols
I like the Tennessee Titans
I am a Boston Red Sox Fan


I can keep going. Needless to say, This is who you are following. This is the person's words you are reading. You don't have to agree with me, You choose to read my words. But it doesn't change who I am and what I think. Now that you know a little more about me.. you can choose whether you want to continue reading my posts, or not. The stop following button is at the top. I don't blog for you, I blog for me.

So, stop with the Rude comments. No one said you had to agree with me. But If you are going to comment on my blog.. act your age.

Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.

Why is it that when Someone has a different Belief than someone.. just because it doesn't fit into the "Popular" belief that it's the wrong thing to believe?

We all have different beliefs on different subjects. Not one person is going to agree on absolutely everything.

When you follow someones blog, do you follow thinking you're going to agree with absolutely everything that person posts? And once they read a post that they don't share the same beliefs as you, they stop being a follower of your blog.

When I follow someones blog, I know I'm not going to agree with everything everyone else says. That's what makes us unique, and makes us who we are. 

I started to apologize and say that I'm sorry that I don't always follow popular belief, But I'm not sorry. I'm damn proud that I have my beliefs and my own opinion on things, Even if there are a lot of people who don't agree with me.

Yes, I am old fashioned. I was raised in a southern Christian home. I'm proud of that. I'm proud of Who I am. I accept that others have a different opinion and I'm glad that some share the same as me. However, If we all agreed on everything.. this world would be a very boring place.

Don't trash someone's beliefs. Don't throw "Facts" out there when they have nothing to do with why they believe what they do. State your opinion, but be an adult about it if you're going to comment on someone's blog. Like some have, say "It's good that you have your beliefs, although I don't agree." You can then state your feelings without any name calling. We are adults here, c'mon.

Yes, I am AGAINST gay marriage. This is MY personal belief, YOU don't HAVE to share that with me, but don't criticize me because I don't fit your perception of what YOU THINK everyone should believe.

If you don't like someone who has strong beliefs, that IS going to blog about things that other's May or May NOT agree with.. Then You SHOULDN'T be a follower of MY blog. This is where I express MY thoughts, MY beliefs and MY experiences.. Not yours. That's what YOU can have a blog for, and then people can choose to rationally agree or disagree with you.

"Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone." And that's exactly what I'm doing. My beliefs WILL NOT change just because someone doesn't agree with them.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

This is a subject I avoided, and have been avoiding for months. But Today, I said the heck with it... this is my blog and I'm allowed to express my feelings and what I think. Hold nothing back- so Here goes.

I am one of the very few that I see that is FOR it. Everyone throws out there about "Gay Rights".. yadda yadda.. But It's not that easy- not in a military environment.

This is how I see it. What is the problem with the system now? I don't see a problem, I know other's may disagree, But I feel- "If is aint broke, don't fix it"!

As  I'm writing this, I'm pushing aside my belief on whether I think homosexual relationships are right or wrong. That's not what this is about.

When you apply for a civilian job, They do not ask on the application if you are gay or straight. Why should they for military? System works just fine for civilians.. and it works pretty well for the military too in my opinion.

But that's not the Problem I see. The problem I see is this:
If the military does away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" they will be forced to change a lot of things. For example: On the Navy ships, You cannot have a gay men with gay men in a berthing, for the same reasons you cannot have Men and women together in the same berthing. It's the same for Lesbians, you cannot have them with other lesbians. And personally, if I were in the Navy, I wouldn't want to change in front of someone who is openly gay, and have them looking at me the way a man would- but that's just me. Also, For those who are bisexual, how would that work? hmm.. Can't have one person to a room- not on a ship. If it's not openly put out there, then no one will act upon their urges.

>>Edit: YES, I know there are currently Gays sharing berthings..  BUT if they do away with DADT, they will HAVE to separate them, which is virtually impossible.
Do I think they should get kicked out for being gay, No. As far as benefits and what not.. I'm not going to comment on that because that gets me on a whole different Tangent on if I believe in gay marriage or not. And well That I'm going to leave to myself, and my religion on that one.<<

If they do away with it.. there will be problems.. or atleast I see a lot of problems! But hey, this is just what I think. You can choose to agree, or choose not to. That's why God gave us an opinion- This is mine.


On a side note- Enteries to my Giveaway will be closed soon! Enter while you can! Clicky for Giveaway

200 followers Giveaway! I know, Late! Oops!

Ok, I'm late on posting this.. again.. But I've been staying very busy, and sadly- Neglecting my blog. Hopefully this giveaway will make up for it.

Who likes to read?! I do! So, I'm going to share with you the most recent book I have purchased. I bought two, one for me.. and One for one lucky person who follows my blog :)

The Book I will be giving away is "Surviving Deployment: A guide for Military Families" by Karen M. Pavlicin

Description

 As part of today's active duty or reserve forces, your loved one may be called to war, peacekeeping missions, anti-terrorism campaigns, field exercises, disaster relief, and many other duties far from home--and you. Surviving Deployment is your personal guide to turning an otherwise lonely and challenging situation into a positive experience.
Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and how to personally grow as individuals and families. Your survival gear will range from a sturdy toilet plunger to the fine art of letter writing. You'll manage financial changes, help children express their feelings, and discover a renewed appreciation for everyday life.
Solid information. Practical checklists. Personal stories from hundreds of families.

Like I said, I have yet to read this book. But I'm looking forward to it.. Also, My next blog giveaway will be another book. I love books.. I love learning new things, so I read everything I can get my hands on that's nonfiction.

Anyway.. I chose this book because It talks about deployment. As deployment creeps up for my husband and I and for many others that read my blog, I thought this would be perfect. Seems to have good reviews, was given 4 1/2 stars... again, I'm looking forward to reading this book (going to start as soon as I finish another book)!

Here's how to get entries into this giveaway-

-Follow my blog :)

-Answer one of the questions (answer in a Comment, or in a blog, but be sure to link me to it)

*If you have been through deployment, What advice would you tell someone preparing to go through their first deployment?

*If you have not been through a Deployment, How do you plan to stay busy and to deal with the dreaded big 'D'?

- "Like" CRushGFX on Facebook! (be sure to comment here and tell me to look for you there!)

- "Like" Christina Rush Photography on Facebook

- Post a blog about the giveaway :)

Please leave a separate comment to THIS blog post for EACH entry you do. The winner's name will be be drawn from "The Hat", so the more entries you have, the better your chances are at winning! :)
The giveaway will be closed to entries on Monday, September 6, 2010 at noon- Eastern time. So get your entries in! :)