Lucky in Love With My Best Friend

Where does the time go? It seems as if the past 3 years have flown by. It seems like my husband and I just said our wedding vows, but here we are. We are celebrating our third wedding anniversary together.

I guess it's true what is always said, "Time flies when you're having fun!".

I am having fun.

I couldn't imagine the past 3 years being any better, Even the days where things might have been hard for us, where we were challenged.. It couldn't be any better. Those hard times and the challenges, helped our relationship grow. You don't think there's more you can learn about someone when you've been with them a while.. even living with him before we were married. Marriage taught us so much about each other. Brought us even closer. He truly is my best friend. I know I have said he's my best friend a million times in blogs in the past, but it is true. My husband IS my best friend. I'm sure this blog post won't  be the last you hear me say that.

I can't wait to write about the 5 year mark, for us to get to the 10 year.. and the years and years to come.

I look at my grandparents, who just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, and I think, "I want to be like them".
I'm sure they've had their hard times.. I'm sure of it, they had 4 children, Had to be some hard times.. Looking at Nanny and Grandpa now, you would think marriage was easy. I want that to be me and my husband. When our grandchildren see us, when we celebrate our 50 years together, I want them to see the same thing in us as I do my grandparents.

I know it is probably bad to compare your relationship to another, but I see what others say about their husband or I see how their relationship pans out, I can't help but think how lucky I am, how awesome my relationship is. Three years of being married, and honestly.. I still feel like a newlywed. Feeling like a newlywed may have something to do with him only being home from deployment for 2 months. But at the same time.. I can't recall a time in 3 years where I didn't still feel like a newlywed.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And this is where he would say, "It's not luck if it's meant to be.".

Guest Post-Military Veterans Can Take Advantage of Their Benefits with a Veteran Home Loan

I was recently contacted by Jessica for a guest post on VA Loans. As most of you know, my husband I recently purchased a home. We used a Veteran home Loan, also known as a VA Loan. If it weren't for the VA Loan, we wouldn't have considered buying any time soon. If you or your spouse has served, and you are considering buying a home, Consider the VA Loan! 

Military Veterans Can Take Advantage of Their Benefits with a Veteran Home Loan

Right now is a fantastic time to buy a new home.  Prices are low, lending rates are even lower, and many people have had their homes up for sale for a long time with no interest, and they are willing to make a deal.  Needless to say, it’s a buyer’s market.  In addition to prime market conditions, there is even better news for veterans of the US Armed Forces; if you are an honorably discharged member of any branch of the Armed Forces, you may qualify for a US Veteran Home Loan.  The benefits of these home loans are quite expansive and could help you and your family pay for the home of your dreams.

Because of their service and sacrifice for our country, honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces are entitled to certain benefits as part of their compensation package.  One of the greatest benefits that they can receive is the home loan benefit.  The government has provided guaranteed home loans for members of the armed forces that carry certain incentives that you can’t get if you aren’t a member of the military.

A VA Loan is a special loan that is guaranteed and insured by the government and can be issued by a specially licensed lender.  There is no required down payment for a VA loan.  Although there is a funding fee of up to 3.15% of the total loan amount borrowed, this amount can be financed and paid off over the life of the loan.  In addition, up to 103.15% financing is available, meaning that qualified buyers are able to borrow more than the amount needed to purchase the house.  This extra money can be used to make home improvements or changes to the home.  An additional $6,000 can also be borrowed as long as it is used for energy efficiency improvements.  Veterans who already own a home are able to get 20% funding for a second mortgage.

The VA allows veterans to qualify for and receive loans that are larger than they would normally be able to receive if they financed with a traditional lender.  The maximum loan amount available depends on the location of the home being purchased, and the amount varies by county.  The maximum amount available with no down payment is $417,000, although in certain “high cost” areas funding up to $1,094,625 is available.  Finally, if there are any closing costs associated with the home sale, the VA requires that the seller pay these, providing that the total cost does not exceed 6% of the total home purchase price.  This will save the homebuyer even more money.  VA home loans also generally carry significantly lower interest rates than traditional mortgages, sometimes up to 1.5% lower, saving the buyer thousands of dollars over the life of their loan.

The benefits of a VA home loan are expansive.  It is in the best interest of all qualified veterans to look into buying a house with their VA benefits.  The combination of prime market conditions, low rates and huge money saving benefits all mean that there is money to be saved on the purchase of a home.  If you are a US Armed Forces veteran, look into a VA home loan.

Guest post by Jessica Gingham at MilitaryVALoan.com

Ready for Round Two?

Last night was the first FRG meeting since deployment's end. It was nice to see the familiar faces of the past 6 months. 

We were introduced to the Ship's new Captain, who gave insight to the coming months, leading up to Deployment number 2, also the USS Enterprise's final mission. 

Deployment is set for this Spring. There are still people speculating as to IF the ship will go out- but it will happen. Some are just in denial. Although there are several months between now and D-Day, looking at the schedule of things to come.. What time is there? It's already time to start preparing.

Mentally, I feel I am prepared. I know it's coming- again. I know that preparing was the hardest to do with last deployment. Thankfully, in preparation for this deployment, I will have my husband a little more than the last. He is no longer TAD. 

I'm hoping things in the physical aspect will be more prepared. With my husband's previous schedule, and a time crunch- I was left to do a lot of what should have been done before deployment, during deployment.. and somethings that should have been done, didn't get done at all. Note to self: make him fix the Monte Carlo BEFORE he leaves, or it will sit there for 7+ months until he returns! 

Things I hope will be different this deployment: I'm hoping for NO irregular vet trips. All 3 of our Furbabies had Vet visits this deployment. That was $1,000+ in six months.

I'm hoping they figure out whatever is wrong with me medically before deployment. Having so many doctor appointments last deployment was no fun. 

This coming deployment, I plan to stay busy- just as I did the last. Maybe not completely as busy... I won't be buying a house without him home. I plan to volunteer more time with the FRG. I was pretty involved past deployment, but I'll step up more.

I plan to do A LOT  of home projects. Easier without my husband here because I get to pick everything (he's in his lazy stage right now, and if he can cut corners, he will.. I like taking my time to make things look nice!).

Between now and deployment, I will focus on my relationship as I did previously. I'm going to start preparing things Now, so that we don't "run out of time". Staring a "Deployment List" and checking things off one by one.

The Journey Continues! 

I Can't Wait to Have a Normal Life

Today, I go to thinking about Life after my husband is no longer an active duty service member. When the subject comes up- I always hear others say, "I can't wait to have a normal life again.". A "normal life" is what they look forward to.

Military life, to me, has become my normal. I'm use to this, I'm comfortable with it. I think about what it would be like when he's no longer in the military.. and I honestly don't know what it would be like. The change and adjustments.. I don't look forward to that. Yes, I would like my husband home more. I would love for him to not miss birthdays, holidays, etc. But I would miss all the benefits we have.

Is my husband getting out of the military? Who really knows.. We've talked about it time and time again. Like with any job, he has his good and his bad days. He, like a lot of people, has his, "I hate my job" days. I believe he's a lifer. We still have 3 years on this enlistment (he did an extended enlistment) and then he will enlist for shore duty (2 years). We have some time to talk and think about it. But honestly.. sometimes his uncertainty scares me. I like the security of knowing there's a plan.

He left for bootcamp just a month after we married. Exactly a month. So, Military is the life we've learned together. I really think he will retire from the Navy, but like today, I think about what it he doesn't?

How hard will it be to adjust? I guess it's another one of those things.. every person is different. I love military life, some hate it.

I guess, eventually, that will be another Journey. Really, this blog post should come in a couple years when I have, hopefully, more certainty of what's going on.

Back to Normal?

The husband has been home over a month now. I assumed we would be on some sort of "Normal" scheduled by now... but that's hardly the case.

I can't say I know what's "normal" anymore!

This whole deployment I have said I can't wait to  have a normal schedule with him when deployment is over. Before deployment, he was working a CRAZY schedule. We hardly spent any time together the year leading up to deployment.

I guess his crazy schedule became our "Normal".

Now that deployment is over, we are adjusting to the many changes from the past 6 months. We're moved into our new house, and now.. we're constantly trying to put our own touches on it.. as well as trying to find time to finish unpacking! We bought a new car. Now, even the bill schedule is thrown off because I had to add a new bill in that we didn't have before. Here lately, there's no planning anything. It's all been last minute- "Hey, let's go do 'this'". Which is all in good fun, I would just like SOMETHING to be planned. I NEED some sort of Organization in my life right now!

Is it bad that the only organized thing around me right now is my Pinterest account?
Don't answer that.

My husband's work schedule isn't steady. It's a day to day thing- which doesn't bother me.. It's nice just having him home.

Honestly, the lack of organization right now is stressing me out a bit. The Husband knows it too. Thankfully, he's awesome and has a huge help with everything [at times]. I admit. My husband is a bit of a slob... a BIG slob. But occasionally, he'll clean the kitchen, or pick up the living room... or he'll cook dinner.

When there's so much going on, or every day seems so busy with no break.. I get burnt out. I'm exhausted. I need a day to sit on my Booty and drink a cup of coffee while watching Golden Girls.

This week has been pretty stressful. Lots of running and getting things done, late night emergency vet Trip because Roo bit Converse (my poor kitten now has a broke nose), earthquake yesterday- which I admit wasn't scary too much... just a bit shocking, Kid Rock concert and today.. I'm just wore out.



Not to mention the doctor appointments I've had recently.

I'm so tired. I slept all day today, and I am still exhausted, but there is not sleep in sight. Insomnia.

I'm getting up early tomorrow to pick up the hubby from duty and then we are heading to the command picnic. I'm hoping to squeeze in an afternoon nap.

What is Normal?

Why So Serious?

For more than 2 weeks now, I have been without internet. It has been wonderful (although at times, like when blogging, annoying!)! It makes me realize how much time people, including myself are spending online... especially Facebook.

We're told that Crack is addictive- well, so is Facebook. Even without having access to internet via computer, I still find myself on Facebook (darn smart phones!).

Something I've noticed aside from it being addictive, is people take the internet (*couch*cough* Facebook) entirely way too serious.

Facebook has become too many people's lifeline.. too many people see it as "real life". To me, Facebook is becoming a reality TV Show played out via social networking. And like reality TV shows, not everything you see or read via Facebook is "real". There's fake people, liars, drama, mulitple personalities, etc. It's all on there.

Who needs reality TV or Soaps for amusement from drama when you can just read it every day- at any time?

Some peope take Facebook too serious. If you don't reply to someone's message or comment, then that must mean you're not a "real" friend or it means you're fake.

If you or when you're in need of a friend's help- immediately- did Facebook replace a telephone, cell phone or text? Who decided that if one doesn't see a message or comment from another that by them not replying in time of need make them "fake" or not a true friend? Serious questions.

I find it humorous. I really do.

Facebook is not serious. It's just a way of sharing your life in a different way with those you choose to (the world because not everything is private with Facebook).

Why so serious? Lay off the cra... I mean Facebook. Look at everything you're missing out on by being on Facebook all day.

No time to get in shape you say? GET OFF FACEBOOK. The time it took you to read status updates, or post a status.. or comment, or to login to Facebook.. you could have done a couple crunches.. pushups, etc. Just sayin'.

This whole no having internet thing.. is wonderful. It's proof where so much extra time is spent.

Stick a Fork in me...

I am Done!

I have been going to the doctor several times a month for tests, tests and more tests for almost 5 months. Still no answers as to whats going on. They have ruled out many things, but have no answers.

One doctor told me it may be a small issue that has no known cause and I would just have to learn to deal with it. I say BS. I want this issue pinpointed and gone!

Today, I woke up not feeling well. I sometimes wake up winded and my chest hurting... and sometimes thats a good day. I woke up winded and my chest hurting and feeling extremely congested this morning.

I decided to take a shower and while in the shower, I got lightheaded fell over and busted the top of my nose open. I didn't even realize it was gushing blood or anything. Just sat in the bathtub for a minute to catch my breath and calm down. Then I realized my nose was stinging and touched it and felt a gash at the top of my nose and then saw the blood.

Honestly, the only thing I can remember thinking is "eff my life".

I'm debating as to go to the doctor and get my nose checked out or even see if I might need stitches.. it's a deep gash on my nose. Most of the bleeding has stopped, so that is the only thing stopping me from going, as well as the fact that I probably shouldn't be driving. My husband should be home soon, I'll see what he thinks and make the decision from there.

Now, I'm going to figure out how to make this day better. Right now... I can't say I am having that great of a day.

I guess I should be thankful at least Deployment is over and he'll be coming home to help on my bad days.

Been There, Done That, Got the Tshirt!

As some of you know, my husband is now home. The USS Enterprise is home from their 6 month deployment {cheers!}.

I was going to attempt to blog the day of homecoming-while waiting. Obviously, blogging was the last thing on my mind the day of. Too much excitement. I was nervous, anxious, and shakey from being so excited  (some can be attributed to  forgetting to eat that morning.)!

He flew in 2 days earlier than the ship came in. I never imagined I would be as nervous as I was. Seeing the plane land, my heart started pounding. When I saw them stepping off that plane, no words can describe my excitement and how nervous I was. I wanted to run to the plane, but of course, that wasn't permitted. Seeing him walking toward me, I felt as if we were the only 2 people outside.

All I can remember is being so excited. I also remember thinking about how much weight he looked like he had lost, then back to being completely excited.

When he was close to me, I ran to him. Seeing him smile, then feeling his arms around me, hugging me.. all my questions, fear and nervousness disappeared. Nothing had changed. People say service members come back different, they change. They don't always change. They see things, do things that may have an effect on them, but it doesn't necessarily change them. My husband is the same man I married almost 3 years ago.

Things are great, it's as if the past 6 months were nonexistent.

Just a tip, don't set your expectations too high, don't expect too much from him. You know your loved one better than anyone else. When someone tells you to expect several things, such as change, how they will act, things they will do or will not do.. Take it with a grain of salt. You could be expecting too much, you could be setting yourself up to be disappointed. I believe this is why there are do many fights after homecoming.

Just enjoy your time with them.

Deployment number one down. Been there, done that.. And I didn't need a xxanax


Photo credit by Cocoa Bean Photography
Link to her Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/CocoaBeanPhoto

Twas The Night Before Homecoming...

Tomorrow my husband is flying in. I can't describe all the emotions running through my body at this very moment. I'm anxious, nervous, excited, and even a bit scared.

You can't help but wonder what has changed. Has he changed? Have You changed? You become more independent, you learn to do everything you did with them, alone. Things have changed. You wonder how those changes will make a diference in life after homecoming. Will things just pick up where they left off? Will things be hard? Will things be better than before deployment? Will he like decisions you've made (with me, will he like our house?)? Etc. It can be scary and at the same time, exciting.

And boy am I ever anxious! Seems like tonight's clock is standing still. It's almost nauseating being wide awake, feeling that hours have passed and in reality, less than 30 minutes have went by.

I've never been so excited! Ok, other than my wedding day, I've never been this excited. I feel like a little kid again and i feel like Christmas day is tomorrow. Santa is surely granting my Christmas wish early!

I'm extremely nervous. I feel like I'm preparing for a blind date.. or just a date at that! I am in a "new" relationship again and again with my husband. These butterflies are going wild!

Tomorrow is extra special for us. Not only is my husband coming home, he's coming home 3 years to the date he proposed to me. July 13, 2008 is when he proposed (married September, 27, 2008) to me. July 13, 2011 is when he's coming home to me. That just makes it extra exciting... and even more that he remembered it.

It's the end of the Journey for Deployment number one, now we prepare for being completed again to prepare for deployment number two.

Six months too long, but these two hearts stayed strong.

One Day and a Wake Up!

It is officially homecoming week for the USS Enterprise! Meaning, my husband will be home soon!

The ship will be home Friday. My husband is flying in 2 days early to make room for the Tiger Cruise (he decided to do this because he got pegged for pull-in duty).

So, that means I have ONE day and then I WAKE UP to go pick up my husband!

Who is Kid in a candy store excited? That's right. ME!

The past week has bee extremely stressful for me. I am officially moved into OUR new house. Boxes are everywhere. I still want everything perfect, so.. I'm pretty sure tonight will be an all nighter with lots and lots of COFFEE!

I had to take our new kitten, Converse, to the emergency vet the other day. Roo "pawed" him in the head.. somehow managed to cut his mouth, bust his nose and hit him in head so hard that it brought blood to his right eye. Needless to say, I was a wreck. Seeing all the blood pouring from his mouth and nose... and then his eye and face swelling, I thought Roo has accidently killed my new kitten. Thankfully, it looked much worse than it was. Today is Con man's follow up vet appointment. Today we should know if little man will be blind in that eye or not. I really really hope he's going to be perfectly a-ok! All swelling is gone, his eye is starting to look normal again, still a bit red though. So, I'll just keep my fingers crossed!

I have a to-do list that is a mile long, and no time to do it all! But, I'm at the point where I have accepted it. Is he REALLY going to pay attention to the house? Probably not.

I have my homecoming dress ready, jewelry, shoes and Photographer are all in check! What's missing? My Husband, my Sailor!

One day and a wake up and then I can say, "Been there, done that, got the Tshirt"

(This post is OPSEC approved seeing as the Military, the Navy and the Ship have released homecoming information to the public)