It's Been A Long, Long Time

"Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Haven't felt like this, my dear
Since I cant remember when
Its been a long, long time"

World War II ended the month before this Crosby recording hit No. 1 on the
Billboard charts in 1945. Accompanied by Les Paul on the guitar, Bing
effectively captures the swelling anticipation of Americans regarding the
imminent return of their boys from overseas. The song remained on the
charts for 16 weeks.

As I sat here avoiding my homework, listening to music, I stumbled upon this little piece of history. I thought it was pretty cool.

I've thought about stopping by to update my blog countless times in the past couple months, but It seems I always found a reason not to. Not enough time. Nothing important to say. Homework to be done. Work to go to. I had the night off work tonight, and my homework is not going anywhere. Here I am... thought I would stop by for a quick update.

The holidays are right around the corner, and I cannot believe it. What happened? The time seems to be flying by way too fast for my liking. Even so, I am ready to welcome the holidays with open arms. It has been much too hot here in the wild west and, quite frankly, I'm tired of sweating. I'm ready to break out my beautiful scarves and sweaters. There is a sick love for the mornings that start with my own breath in sight. These are the same mornings that my fingers feel like little icicles and I let my hands take turns holding the steering wheel or being shoved under my legs. I've also been thinking about pumpkin pie and stuffing. I really love the holidays. I think they are quite wonderful. There is something romantic about those months at the end of the year. Sigh. Can I eat pumpkin pie yet?

I decided that it was a good idea to download the couch to 5k app and sign up to run a 5k the end of November. My goal was to run the month of October, and if I was still alive at the end sign up to run. Today while I was running, feeling like I was going to drop dead, I was thinking about how hard it was going to be to run the Saturday after thanksgiving. I have also noticed all these bruises popping up on my calves. My hips and ankles are still gaining strength or I need new shoes.. So those ache. I stubbed my big toe somewhere along the way and it feels broken. I'm falling apart. Thankfully, the run has been moved. I can eat pumpkin pie without feeling guilty about running that weekend, and I also have more time to get in running shape. Aside from falling apart and obtaining all these new aches, I think I'm actually making some progress.

The end of this semester is in sight and that is barely enough motivation to keep this girl showing up to class. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! I'm barely maintaining my grade in physics and chemistry, but let me just say that my foxtrot is coming along quite nicely. I'm not so bad with a waltz or cha cha either. Taking a ballroom dance class this semester was a good idea. Once a week I get to spend two hours on that wooden floor pretending I'm Fred Astaire. In those two hours my brain is not thinking about friction or titrations, but my thoughts are more along the lines of,
"One two three. one two three...
step together back, step together back...
I wonder if I look as smooth and awesome as I feel...
slow, slow, quick, quick...
I love twirling...
I'm going to show Eileen this move when I get home...   
I love this song..."
I look forward to that 2 hours in the middle of my week.

Bed time for this girl.. My bed was expecting me and hour ago and I don't want to keep those wonderful pillows and blankets waiting any longer.   

Hope all is well, dear friends.

La Vie en Rose

"When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom"

Mostly, I feel like I'm losing my mind a lot. Sometimes my stomach gets all tied up in knots for no good reason. This world is crazy, and I often lose hope in humanity. I honestly worry for my future children. Things usually like to conspire against me and all break at the same time (phone, car, etc.).

But ya know... Life is better through rose colored glasses. La vie en rose. Life in pink.

A young kid at work told me, "Bridget, you're always so solid". At least it appears to some that I have it all together. I am very thankful for the blessed life I lead. It may not be perfect and boy oh boy am I a far cry from perfection, but I'm thankful all the same. I'm not necessarily where I want to be or completely who I want to be, but I'm content. Life gets me down some days, and there are plenty of weeks when I feel that crying and the consumption of ice cream is the only option... But overall, I'm happy. I'm content. I'm "solid". Hah, whatever that means.

Some things in this life make all the not so fun things a little easier to handle. 

- Gods love.
Some days I take it for granted. Some days I'm not sure I deserve it. Some days it is overwhelming, but it's always there. His faithful love filled with grace.
- The sky.
I love the blue that goes forever. I love when the sun sets and paints this Arizona sky with color. I love the stars. I can pretty much look at the sky anytime of day and bask in its romance and wonder. It has this calming affect, and I fall in love with its maker a little more... and God says, 'for you, my love'.
- Music.
Play me a song and I'm in a good mood. Sing me a song... even better. Play or sing a favorite and we can be best friends.
- Driving.
Driving my Jeep with the windows down on a beautiful day will most likely become one of my favorite memories.
- Kindness.
Those small acts of kindness... A kind word, a mere smile, a thoughtful gift given at exactly the right time.

- Adventure.

This summer has been filled with all kinds of adventures, big and small. It has been lovely. 

- Parents

My dad still knows pretty much everything and I still need my moms hugs. Parents are a good thing to have. 

- That boy

Stealing my heart a little more everyday.

- My bed 

We have a good thing going...I like sleeping.
- Humor
Laughter is possibly one of my most favorite things.
- Swirl ice cream
What a great invention for someone so indecisive.
- Words like Gumption
Some words should be used more often.
- Freshly sliced lemons all in a row.
The yellow is quite happy and refreshing.

This happy girl is one busy week away from her last vacation before school starts again. Minot, Minneapolis, Calumet... en vie la rose continues! I will try to share some of my trip as I go.

     

Summer Beginnings and Silver Linings

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino."
- Joe Fox

This is the line that goes through my head when I order my tall, decaf caramel macchiato. I laugh to myself and, for a moment, get caught up in the romance of Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly. That movie never gets old.

Two months and we get to hear about a cup of coffee, you say?

These past two months have sort of flown by. Birthday. Finals. Work. Catching up on some much needed sleep plus some. Family Visits. Brother graduating. Watching far too much Psych. Some summer burning and way too much sweating. Trying to get some volunteer hours in at the hospital. Planning trips to be taken this summer. Mostly I have been doing a lot of summer vacationing.. staying up too late, sleeping in too late, eating too many sweets, reading, and doing whatever I please just because I can. Yesterday, the little girls and I made a Starbucks run, spent some time at the park, went on a evening jog, and curled up with some ice cream and a chick flick after dinner. It was a pretty good summer day.

I have finished one book and cracked open another. I always forget how much I enjoy reading. Not because I have to, not a hurried or distracted 'I should be doing something else' kind of reading, and not the I'm going to try and read but really fall asleep because I'm so exhausted kind of reading... Just reading. Flippin' pages without a care in the world. Reading on the couch, in the chair, on the porch, at the park, in a box, with a fox... Yeah, I'm a fan.

I also pulled my camera off the shelf where it has mostly been collecting dust. I like taking pictures. I miss it. These days I do a lot of, "That would make a sweet picture" as I walk, run , or drive by. I decided I would be the chick who carries her camera everywhere this summer. I will not have the excuse of not having a camera on hand! So, I slung my camera over my shoulder and was off. Annnd, not even a mile away from home I realized  that while I snapped a self portrait (while driving) I carelessly placed my lens cap in the cup holder. Where it snugly fits and will probably stay forever. My attempt of rescue wedged it a little tighter. How does that even happen?

Besides the new home for my lens cap (until my dad comes to the rescue), it has been a good start to my summer. Even though I am not backpacking around Ireland, England, and Scotland with my little brother, it is still a good start. Too little money and a little too much work. Lesson: Don't work, have rich parents. or marry rich. :)

Silver lining: California, Minot, Minnesota, and Michigan are all in my near future. In the mean time.. I like my job and I have a bookshelf full of books.      

Just another night at work.

 

The Self portrait

 

Day at the park

 

Summer sun

 

The View from here

 

Sister to be silly with

 

More of a real self portrait. Up close and personal.. flaws and all.

 

 

March 26, 2013

 And I present to you.. The Grand Canyon...

 

 Who knew Coronado beach was in Flagstaff? Alright, So I didn't actually go to the Grand Canyon. I didn't lie to you.. I had every intention of going to the Grand Canyon. Plans changed... a somewhat spontaneous trip was presented by my lovely cousin and, well, the next day we were San Diego bound! It was wonderful. Now that I'm back in class, with tests every week, I find myself just longing for summer. Spring break is such a tease.  

 

 

Sometimes I think that I want a puppy. Having a furry friend to run with, walk with, and play catch with could be really great. Then I remember that I'm just as much an animal lover as I am a runner. I sometimes confuse my imaginary world with reality. By imaginary world, I mean the one where I have a rockin' bod and a well behaved furry friend who runs with me. Don't worry, there are plenty of mirrors around to snap me out my delusion. Time spent taking care of a dear friends dog usually does the trick for the puppy want.   

 

 

Meet my furry friend, Fiona. Part rabbit, part dog. 'Sit' is just about the only thing she understands, the 5th time you say it that is. She likes to bark in the middle of the night as if the house is under attack. It freaks me out. She also likes to poop and pee in the house when I'm gone too long. The doggy door obviously no longer works after 5 hours of my absence. When my future children beg for a puppy, please, remind me of the defending night barks and pooping.

 

 Upon request, here is my attempt at a poem for writing class. No laughing.  

 

Yellow Ribbon

Even when you’re far,

You are always near

Everything brings my mind back to you

I hear your voice

I feel your warmth

How can this be with so many miles apart?

 

Once so young and juvenile

But now so strong and brave

Your boots are laced

Your hair is short

Your ship is out to sea

You serve with pride and courage

To keep our country free

 

The days and weeks and months go by

And the distance seems forever

There are moments when my heart swells with pride

It seems as though I could fly

But sometimes it just breaks

How can there be so many miles apart?

 

My life is full of blessings

No girl could ask for more

A loving family

A paying job

And the pursuit of an education

Driven by goals and dreams

With faith and a loving Savior

 

But even so, there is something missing
an emptiness

A longing

It has been said that the longer the waiting

The sweeter the kiss

And if this is true, than it is sure to be the sweetest

Oh how I loathe the miles apart!

 

Every joy and every sorrow

Every success and every failure

It is with you I want to share

You’re in every song

In every dream

And in my every prayer

Even in the blueberries in my bagel

 

I fill my days and wait impatiently

For the day you reach the port

For that moment when the lump in my throat

Escapes through my eyes

And that moment when the distance

Is closed with your arms and smile

 

With a yellow ribbon tied around my heart

I count the days till there are no more miles apart.

    

Update

Time for a monthly update? I had every intention of sharing all my profound and witty thoughts on a daily basis when I started this thing. No, not really... But I did have the intention of posting on a more regular basis.

Dear fans and dedicated readers (all three of you),

I'm still here. Life is busy, as usual.
I have some time to breathe today, so here I am!
School/Career plans have presented a few obstacles... I'm praying for Gods will in my life, and also praying for the courage to accept and act on whatever that may be.
I miss that sweet sailor boy more and more everyday, and I'm wondering how much more my heart will allow before it decides to crumble completely. I always said distance was not for me, and that I didn't have strength for the military. Yet, here I am... a big mess of pride and love mixed with tons of missing and longing. It's like that part in Sleepless in Seattle when the radio lady asks Tom Hanks what he's going to do and he replies, "Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, After a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while". That part gets me every time. I realize that in the movie his wife has passed away. My situation is nothing like that, but that part makes my little heart hurt all the same. I'm not usually one to share so publicly about my feelings, but I think that went out the window when I wrote a poem about loving a sailor and read it aloud in class last semester. Hopeless, I know. :) 

and if you're reading this.. I miss you, friend. Come see me soon.

Other than being blissfully pathetic, class and work continue to demand my time. My goal of a healthy and active lifestyle is a work in progress, but it's going well (besides the pint of Ben&Jerry's I ate with Raidy, that is). Next week is spring break, which I plan to enjoy thoroughly. A trip to the Grand Canyon? Yes please.  

Thursday is one of my favorite days of the week, especially lately. Thursdays start at the gym, but then I have some hours to myself before work. I get to make myself a decent lunch, catch up on some homework from the online classes I'm taking, listen to my music as loud as I want, and catch up on laundry. Basically, I get me time without rushing about. Then, usually by the time work rolls around, I'm ready to see people. It all works out quite nicely. Thank you Lord for Thursdays.

Hopefully I will make it back here before a month goes by!    

Love,
-Me

For all those women with a man away. and for all those men who have women, waiting for them, with a yellow ribbon tied around their heart.

Protesting Summer

Between the never ending homework, studying for upcoming tests, and working I managed to find some time to make a little something for myself. I've been wanting to get myself an infinity scarf. I have found some really lovely ones... but could not bring myself to spend the money on something I didn't absolutely need. I mean, of course I need it! My neck needs to be warm, but getting rid of all my socks with holes has left me with a very limited selection. Wearing two different ones from the missing sock collection was not cutting it. I might have even worn the same pair twice, turning them inside out for the second use. Enough about the socks... I bought some new socks.

 

AND.. I made this scarf! I found this simple pattern, and the girl who posted it made this cozy looking lime green scarf. This was my first time knitting in the round, which was ok except my scarf is twisted. The girl said it was simple and great for starters, but to be careful not to twist your chain. um... yeah. It is sort of like the annoying twisted lanyard that you cant fix. I'll just wear it with my missing sock collection socks. Who will know?          

 

Ta Da!

 

 

P.S. You might miss spring in Tucson if you're not paying attention, and lately it feels like its trying to sneak right to summer in the middle of winter. This scarf is my protest.

It's good to smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Some days I have to remind myself to smile. Today I was not sure I could muster up the strength to be anything more than a puddle of self pity, but my dear God gave me encouragement throughout the day reminding me to smile. "Smile" being the song to play as my night came to a close.

Just to add a little life update...

My west coast adventure was so very wonderful. I was welcomed with warmth, and I fell in love with three sweet little faces. Those little faces were my 7 AM wake up call, my teeth brushing buddies, and my lap was hardly ever empty. Spent time with a boy that was much overdue. Went on adventures, tried new things, celebrated birthdays. I could go on forever about my vacation. Simply put, it was mostly perfect. Leaving was awful, but I came home to a best friend of a sister and feisty little niece. 

And now? Now I am working on finding the motivation I need for classes.

My mind has been racing all around with thoughts of the future, which can be terrifying. My heart is on a wild voyage of its own, which can also be terrifying. Lord, give me the strength and courage to follow your will and to trust you.    

When My heart is overwhelmed
lead me to the rock that is higher than I
Psalms 61:2

Come fly with me

Airports are a funny place. One of my favorites. Airports mean travel. Although sometimes that travel means deployment or leaving loved ones, which is never fun. Put the sad goodbyes aside and this is a very amusing place. From the polite conversation with strangers, the awkward scramble to redress yourself after security, to all the interesting people to watch. The business men, the young children, the girl with the iPhone applying mascara... Who are all these people? What is there story? Does the dashing young pilot have a wife and kids at home or is his life mostly in the air?

I always get little butterflies in my stomach when I fly as if I'm still the little girl running down the ramp with the little brother and his flopping hair. Airports meant taking a ride through the clouds. It meant picking up dad from his trips. It meant seeing family or new places! Don't forget the snacks.. Flying meant snacks, and dad always bought us those cute mini snacks. Flying meant ginger ale. As I got older it went from trading snacks and listing to music with Liam to trading snacks and listening to music with Liam at an older age. That silly boy would ask if this was my first flight. or maybe make puking noises into the barf bag, and then calmly say false alarm and return the clean bag to the seat pocket. No joke. Sometimes flying meant summer trips with the cousin, and the time we got to ride first class.


Now I'm quite grown up and flying alone. My first flight alone? Yes. I have my Reese's pieces and I just ordered a ginger ale. The view is still breath taking and scary all at the same time.

Well folks, I'm off for a weeks vacation to the west coast. Love to all.

Thank you for choosing Southwest Airlines.