Forgive me friends for I have sinned. It has been several weeks since my last confession.

Because it’s been a while, I will plunge deep into my heart and provide you with quality, meaningful confessions.

Like this one:

1. My husband parks my car in the garage every.single.day.

No seriously- I swear.

I know.

Pathetic.

So here’s the whole back story.

When I was 16 I got a car and- like all 16 year olds- was very eager to drive and be TOTALLY responsible with it.

So the thing with my car was that it was really long and it barely fit in the garage. In fact, there were many times in which the garage door lightly smudged the back of my car. Not only that, but we had a two car garage growing up so it was a really tight squeeze fitting the car next to the big purple minivan. So- long story (somewhat) short- my parents parked the car in the garage for me. Yes, I was TOTALLY responsibile- but why risk me doing something stupid, right?

Right.

So- one night I was being TOTALLY responsible and coming home late. Instead of calling my parents and telling them that not only was I late, but I also needed the car put in the garage, I opted to be the “good” and helpful daughter and park the car myself.

As I pulled the car in the rear right side of my car let out a painful cry of torture-

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH

I couldn’t stop! I kept driving, thinking it would be better.

It was worse.

Definitely worse.

I totally dented in the side big time. Plus the paint was destroyed.

Good job kid.

I know.

Anyway- ever since that I’ve been very leery of parking in tight spaces. Mostly because I suck. Mostly also because I have this reoccurring nightmare of doing something terribly stupid again.

So anyway, since we have the truck now it goes in the big part of the garage and we park my car in the third garage door, which is a tight squeeze (ahem- for me- not for anyone else, I’m sure).

Will knows this awful and totally embarrassing garage story, and although it’s been 10 freaking years, he still doesn’t trust me with “baby #2” (did you guys know that’s what he calls his car? I know- he’s crazy).

So there you go- I can’t park my own car in my garage. How’s that for a confession?

2. When it’s just me and Will eating at home I cover my baking dish in foil so I don’t have to wash the dish and instead just throw away the dirty foil.

Because I’m just that lazy. No other reason.

3.  Sometimes I pretend to be annoyed whenever I scoop ice cream (cookies and creme) for me and Will because “I’d rather he do it,” but the truth is that is that I totally love doing it because I always (always, always) give myself the giant pieces of cookies.

ha ha. I feel like I need to go to crunches after confessing that…

Anything you need to confess to lighten your load? 

"I’m 26 years old and I still loathe buying tampons. You’d think that was something I would have grown out of- but, no.

I wonder why, too? I mean- I realize it’s no big deal. I must admit, though, I really love when you go for me.”

“Yeah- but I don’t.”

“I know- but like I said, I hate it. When you go people know you’re just being a wonderful husband. They know they’re not for you. When I go, however, it is very, very clear that those super duper sized tampons are for me. Ha- or it could also be the gallon of ice cream I buy with them. That probably gives it away too. I mean- it’s this whole thing! Do you get a cart for the tampons, or do you tromp around the whole Wal-mart holding them discretely by your side while you casually walk to the entire other side of the store for the ice cream? Do you-”

(cutting me off)

“Brittny- lately it seems like anytime you talk about things or tell me stories it’s like you’re blogging.”

“Nooo. You’re crazy. I just like to drone on about things.”

And then I hopped out of the truck and began my tampon/cookie dough mission (thinking all the while about telling you guys about standing in front of the cookie dough section holding a jumbo sized box of tampons).

Um- between you and me? After assessing the most recent stories I’ve told Will this week? Yeah, he’s right. I totally talk in blog.

I realize you don’t care what I had for lunch today or how nice people were to me yesterday but the truth is- I really feel like I need to post about the last few days in my life because I really want to remember them- and when you have a bad memory like me, it’s important you write everything down!

So Sunday was nice. Will’s parents showed up with a dozen roses for me, a homemade strawberry cake (with real crushed strawberries in it!), and my gift. It was so sweet. We also went out to Olive Garden for lunch. It was a nice Sunday.

From there the week continued to get better (okay- I realize we’re only mid-week...)

I’m not sure how long you’ve been reading, but if you’ve read since the Kuwait Days you know that most of the time I really, really hated my job (I’ve linked you to my “This Isn’t CTU” posts so you can take a walk down memory lane). Things were done so backwards. People were total unprofessional morons… it was tough. Moving back to America and working where I do now was such a giant shock. Like a tall glass of ice water with a squeeze of lime. Even after being here for almost a year I still have to pinch myself- and I always say, “Wow! It’s so weird working for a “real” company!”

It’s just so different.

So Monday I got to work and one of the ladies I work with on a regular basis (and was also the girl who was my secret pal) got me a Vanilla Frappuccino and a box of Crystal Light On the Go and wished me a “happy birthday week!” I thought that was so sweet.

Yesterday was so nice. Will surprised me with the I Love Lucy boxset (she’s so great) and Dunkin Donuts for breakfast.

I got to work and had this super duper cute bright pink box in my chair. I opened it up and there was the cutest Halmark Hoops and YoYo card. I’ve linked it here. You so have to check it out because it makes me laugh. What’s even funnier about it is that the guy that got it for me is gay. There was also the cutest Hoops and YoYo stuffed animal that talks and these really cute Hoops and YoYo sticky notes with funny sayings on it. It was the sweetest surprise.

Another coworker brought me a hilarious homemade card and breakfast for everyone (two pastries for me- on top of my donuts… wow… what a way to start off 26)

It was so thoughtful.

Then my “secret pal” coworker and boss surprised me with this giant coffee mug planter filled with gorgeous tulips! It was so sweet.

We went out to lunch and I ate more. Ugh. Fat.

I got back from lunch and there were more flowers on my desk! My parents and sister sent me the most beautiful bouquet. They’re so gorgeous and pink and happy and vibrant. It was the sweetest surprise.

After lunch there was more eating.

The Cheesecake Factory’s 30th Anniversary Cake.

Delish.

Seriously amazing…

You have no idea.

It was wonderful.

The only damper was that I had a dentist appointment yesterday- no cavities so I guess that’s a plus!

It was just a really nice series of days full of really thoughtful people and surprises.

Like I said- I’ve never had a good working environment before. It’s been such a blessing to be where I am.

Today the hits kept coming. My boss and coworker wished me a Happy Birthday Week again today. I told them to stop being so nice to me and they laughed and said- “No-you’re nice!” I opened the card they got me and it made me laugh. Check it out.

HA HA

So you’ll never guess what I got today.

Remember my purse post? I mentioned the fact that I’ve had my current purse for three years- and they did something about it. Today I got the most awesome pink purse! It was the sweetest thing ever. I felt so loved!

There are a lot of times in which I miss Kuwait. We came home at the worst.time.ever. Could the economy be any worse ( ha ha- say that like Chandler Bing when you read that)? However, it’s days like this week in which I remember that my working environment is a lot better than it was before and I’m really blessed.

So- my birthday week has been great.

So I know this post was a sucky read, but I needed to post it just for memory’s sake.

More to come- and less annoying happy personal life update crap.

I really want to sit down and tell you guys about the slave driver of a gym Nazi I worked out with Sunday.

She kicked my…

well…

you know.

“How in the HELL did I get this GIANT purple and red bruise on my inner thigh!?”

I have no clue.

Oh- that’s right-

It was probably when she stepped on my leg and told me I sucked and “You CAN do 40 more lunges or I’ll cut you!”

Yeah…

I think it was that.

Anyway- I want to tell you about the Gym Nazi but I can’t.

Apparently marriage is about sharing everything.

The last Little Debbie Nutty Bar,

the living room TV,

the last Little Debbie Nutty Bar (crap. I already said that one...).

Well apparently now I also have to share our computer from 9-10 pm.

That’s right- Willy Boy is cutting into my blogging time. My gym Nazi storytelling time. My unwinding time.

Long story short- we’re having DVR issues (gasp!) so we can’t tape and instead have to watch a show on fox.com tonight “that simply can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Doesn’t he understand my need to blog?

A GIANT PURPLEY-RED BRUISE.

ON MY INNER THIGH.

The people need to know!

THIS GIRL IS A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT.

Sigh… he just doesn’t get it.

So- I’m off to share now- although I really don’t recall this computer crap being anywhere in our vows.

Here’s to healing- and a mediocre, not so great workout tomorrow.

<3

Baby steps.

I hate them.

I would much rather take big giant leaps and get to where I need to be instead of tiny methodical steps.

The truth is in some cases, baby steps are far better- and giant leaps don’t always work.

Especially when it comes to money.

Last night Will and I went back to school.

The school of Dave Ramsey.

The school of Baby Steps.

FPU (Financial Peace University).

I’m so very excited to begin this journey with Will (and cheat off of him in class- ha ha). We’re one week down with 12 more to go.

Our baby first step is to get an ample emergency fund established as.fast.as.we.can. One of those “Duh stupid- of course you need an emergency fund!” but also one of those things that can be tough to do in this day and time we’re living in. Like I’m sure many of you, so much of our future is (ha or WAS) in the stock market. We’ve each looked at what we can do to make sacrifices and are going to do to grow our emergency fund. We also came away with homework to do this week which I think will be very enlightening and beneficial.

I have a feeling some of these baby steps we go through each week might be a little tough, but I know the end result will be so worth it. I just want everything to be paid off and in its right place tomorrow!- but then we go back to the baby steps versus the giant leaps. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lot of chopping away each and every day. But why can’t it be easy?!

Ha- I guess that’s the same thing as asking why I can’t lose 15 pounds in a week!?

I’m really excited to do our homework together and meet again to see what else in in store for us. I’m up to the challenge, even if it causes a little pain.

But then again- learning how to take baby steps really never is an easy thing.

More to come… <3

Hello lovelies,

Saturday night in the big town, right?

Most of you are probably out and about having some wild Saturday evening, while I’m sitting in sweats on my couch having (another) night in.

Okay- so the truth is that probably more of you than I think are having the same sort of night in, right?

I say that to make myself feel better.

I hope I’m right.

Who cares if I’m not? We’re going with this notion.

I have refreshed my facebook homepage countless times.

Nothing.

I’ve held the flashlight for Will as he investigated a weird sound in the truck.

Woo.

Actually- it was a little fun (but please, whatever you do, don’t tell Will or I’ll be deemed his “tool holder” forever)- but after while I began to feel like a little restless kid helping their dad.

“A little more to the left.

A little more…

Britter! Stop shaking your arm!”

“I’m sorry! I’m sort of bored...”

That’s sort of how it went.

Plus we he still hasn’t figured it out.

And now Will is all crabby and worried.

Which makes for a thrilling Saturday night.

I was all geared up to watch 48-Hours Mystery tonight but the stupid NCAA games have gotten in the way.

Now that OU is out I really don’t care. My bracket has been hosed since Louisville got out so I don’t really care anymore.

I tried to look up the fat content of the burger I had tonight, but surprise, surprise there’s no nutritional facts posted.

I have no idea why not. I mean I’m sure their sausage cheeseburger isn’t that bad.

Puke.

Don’t worry, I didn’t get that- but Will did. It looked like a bleeding, throbbing, greasy heart attack.

Although- mine wasn’t much better either.

Hey! I guess we did get “out” tonight after all, right? I guess if you consider a hole-in-the-wall diner getting “out.”

So as you can see, my Saturday night has been less than exciting.

Even after my awful Cholesterol Burger of Death I’m still contemplating eating chocolate chips right of the bag.

Some would call that Boredom Eating.

I say they’re full of crap.

It’s been close to a week since I’ve mindlessly wandered the internet- and I guess it seemed like a thrilling thing to do on a Saturday night but the truth is- not really.

It’s pretty bad when you look at the clock and hope it’s “late” enough to go to bed.

It’s 10:00.

I have deemed that late enough.

I know what you’re thinking- you’re feeling sad for me, right?

Don’t worry- I’ll have my midnight chocolate chip snack a couple hours early and go straight to bed without brushing my teeth.

Such a thrill seeker.

Actually?

I have a dentist appointment (on my birthday no less! :( ) coming up.

I better not.

But maybe just maybe I’ll do something crazy tomorrow.

<3

More to Come

-We’re now the proud owners of a “new” 2001 Ford pick-up truck. It only has 48,000 miles on it, so it doesn’t seem as old when you think of it that way. Plus Will is in Heaven now that he finally has a truck to drive again.

-My boss sent me and my coworker flowers Friday. You can see pictures of how beautiful they are on my Flickr. It totally brightened my day.

-We’re really enjoying hearing Dave Ramsey’s sermons (see below). I think we might take the plunge and do the 13 week study too.

-P is moving back home (home as in Kuwait) this semester. I will tell you more soon. Actually hopefully she will tell you more soon. I’m trying to get her to guest blog sometime next week.

-Our Sooners have done well thus far during March madness. There’s still a lot to play, but hopefully make it another round or two! Oh and hey- I’m not sucking all that much in our bracket competition either!

-I’m headed down to Texas on a day trip this week. I’m sort of excited about it but at the same time sort of dreading it because of how late I’ll get home plus all the work I’ll have to catch up on

-We’re going to another Thunder game this week, so that should be fun. You can’t beat $10 cheap seats, right!?

-Have I mentioned I love, love, love daylight saving’s time? Please dear God don’t let them take this away from us. This will be the first time in three years to experience a full daylight savings time and I’m so excited about it.

-I have this awful and intense desire to make a cake, and I have no.idea.why. Please don’t let me make one (but I probably will :( ).

-There’s just not much else going on right now- and I’m actually okay with that.

Have a lovely day! You know- because Mondays are always lovely. 

It’s that time again, my loves-

March Madness.

I’m sure at some point during the life of this blog I’ve mentioned that Will and I fill out brackets each year and compete against each other.

Ha- although, I doubt I elaborate much, seeing as how he’s beat me 4 of the last 5 years!

Anyway, it sort of becomes a big deal in our house- mainly because Will always wins and makes it a big deal.

I’m a very humble winner.

Although- it’s been a very long time since I’ve experienced the rush of victory so if I ever won I may not be all that humble.

But that’s neither here nor there!

Anyway- so yesterday was “Fill out your bracket day.”

Only- something was different.

Will had 2 brackets.

2 brackets!?

“Why would Will have 2 brackets?” I asked myself.

Becase he’s bracket cheating on me!

I know- I was shocked too.

I mean, you don’t just share your bracket with anyone! Geez- there’s no boundaries these days. You know a person for a few days and decide to take the plunge of sharing a bracket…

I don’t get it.

Okay- so I guess I’m being a little sensitive.

I mean, after all, I shouldn’t be surprised he had to go elsewhere for bracket satisfaction, right? Let’s face it- I’m a bracket loser.

Sigh…

So Will decided to have the obligatory married bracket with me and his “real” bracket with Ross.

You know- because apparently I’ve been faking the whole time.

I’ll have you know ESPN helped me tremendously and I’m feeling rather confident this year! Not only that but Ross also summoned the assistance of ESPN- so really, it’s like we’re competing against Will as one entity!

However, yet again Will has to one up me. Apparently he found some site that runs all the possibilities in a computer like 10,000 times or something ridiculous like that.

So once again I’m left feeling a bit like I lost before I even started- you know- it could be because of the bracket cheating or the super awesome amazing website Will found-

but to those things I simply say-

they call it March Madness for a reason.

If everything was predictable they probably would have named it “March Everyone Ranked Higher Wins”

um- or something clever like that.

So, we shall see. Let’s hope I give Will a run for his money this year.

Let the madness begin! 

This weekend was lovely. It was simple and nothing extravagant, it was just nice.

Friday night was very uneventful. I made a pork loin and mashed potatoes for dinner and we watched our FRIENDS boxset. I was asleep on the couch before 10. I’m so fun.

We went to IHOP for breakfast yesterday. I love the place and Will isn’t the biggest fan- which to me is a big way to show love. In these economic times taking me to IHOP is like buying me a tennis bracelet… or something like that.

I love breakfast.

After breakfast I went to the gym to undo some of the pancakes.

It didn’t work.

We hung around the house, got around, and went to Zios for lunch! I ate bad. Really bad. Then we went to see Dave Ramsey. I really enjoyed hearing the things he had to say. I’ve always been interested by him, so it was really good to hear him speak. His thoughts are very enlightening and practical. Things you know about but don’t put into action or use the tools to put together. He’s speaking for the next two weeks and Will and I have decided to go back to hear what else he has to say.

Our evening concluded with taking care of the doggies and making a trip for ice cream.

You know- to round the whole awful night of carnage out on a good note.

Today was nice. Since we went to service last night, we got to sleep in today. It was wonderful. In fact, I haven’t brushed my hair (um-or teeth. Yuck!) all day.

I made us breakfast and we lounged around and were very lazy!

Will and I took the “Bigs” on a walk around the neighborhood, and as always, they were highly um- “spirited-” and took me on a walk. I had to switch off mid trip and walk Rocky instead of Teddy. Although Rocky weighs a million pounds, he’s a lot more subdued than Teddy most of the time.

We came back to the house and watched the bracket b-ball “thing” (ha ha I’m so technical). We ate dinner and then decided to take the “Littles” on a walk too. Only- they don’t walk. We do the walking and hold them close. I’m sure it’s annoying to watch, but we don’t mind. They’re sort of spoiled.

We spent a lot of time talking all day today. Talking about the things we learned about the night before, talking about how we need to set goals, what those goals were, what potential timelines were… it was really nice. It’s been a long time since Will and I have talked like that- probably since Kuwait! It was nice. It made me feel close to Will, and reminded me that we’re a team and need to set some goals we can attain. I think going to see Dave Ramsey was really good for us and I look forward to next week.

It’s simple weekends like this that make me thankful for the things I have- and also wishing a little for a three day weekend.

I normally don’t post “what I did” entries, but for some reason I wanted to round out the “Will and Brittny” week with a bit of a recap.

It just seems right.

More to come.

I know you’re shocked, but I’ve dubbed the road to year five The Year of More Changes.

I can’t imagine why.

This year was so different than I ever would have imagined. I never thought we would have been back in America. I honestly thought we’d be in Kuwait for a couple more years. Ha- and here we are, almost in America for a whole year!

This year was such a whirlwind, full of many changes.

From resigning, to two weeks later being back in America, and two weeks after that finding our house- to almost losing it to other buyers- to getting it again and then finally moving out of the in-law’s house and into our own place- and an awesome 20 day cruise somewhere in the fray!

It was full of learning a new job, housing guests, and getting used to the American life. Oh- and buying two pups which have quickly turned into horses.

And who could forget expensive gas, no maid, and taxes!?

It’s been quite a year of changes, and yet again we’ve adjusted and plowed through- although this year was sort of a tough one. I guess life can’t always be easy, right? If only!

This year has been full of lots of things, both good and bad. I miss my family a lot. This has been the first time in my life in which I’ve lived away from them. I also miss living in a foreign country. I really enjoyed living overseas. However, I must say life in the slow lane definitely has its perks. I forgot how many things I missed.

It’s been full of adjustments and getting used to different things, and it has continued to grow us. This is our life, and this is the life we have made for ourselves- together as a team. We have become a team- albiet a team that doesn’t get along very well when needing to do home improvement projects- but nonetheless a team. It’s almost like I can’t remember my life before Will. It’s always just been us, and I’m thankful for just “us.”

I have no idea what the road to year six will be dubbed. I hope it’s the year of Winning Five Million Dollars, or the year of Inventing Something and Retiring or even another year of Fun.

I have no idea what this year will bring our way- but I’m thankful to God for the things He’s brought us through thus far. I look forward to the road to year six with Will, and I hope you stick around to share the trip with me.

Tonight will consist of making dinner and hanging out on the couch together at home- so thrilling I know. The secret truth is that we’re major home bodies and I’m very excited about our “big” Friday night anniversary plans. Tomorrow we’re going to Zios for a late lunch (um yum!!) and then we’re going to hear Dave Ramsey (google him) speak! I’m excited about our date night. Like I said- we’re not very exciting, even when it’s our fifth anniversary.

Happy Five Year Anniversary, Will. It’s been a really interesting run full of lots of twists, and I’m so glad we’re in it together.

<3