In honor of Annie, I (finally) present my meme:

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Transcripts Specialist- the best job I could have ever asked for as a

college student, hands down, ever
2. Babysitter
3.  Mary Kay Consultant (Not the ones you run from in fear, I promise!)
4. Administrative Assistant to the Marketing & Media Branch Manager (I won’t even insert the sarcastic “yay“ here.)

Four Movies I have watched over and over:

1. You’ve Got Mail (Will loves that movie and I think it’s so cute. We like to watch it at Christmas)
2. Ever After (it’s been a while since I’ve seen this one, but I loved it so much in high school and college)
3. Home Alone. I haven’t watched this movie in AGES, but my sister and I used to have “sleepovers” together on the pullout couch growing up and every single time we had one we’d watch Home Alone.
4. Blues Brothers- my dad and I would watch that movie almost every new years eve for a long time. “I’m on a mission from God.” Ha ha.

Four places I have lived:
1. Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!)
2. Kuwait
3. Germany (3 different times)
4. Colorado

Four TV shows I love to watch:

1. King of Queens
2. Frasier
3. Everybody Loves Raymond
4. Animal Cops

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Dubai
2. Qatar
3. Branson, MO (about 50 million times)
4. Minneapolis (and we’ll be vacationing there a few days this fall too!)

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Oklahoma- sitting with Will at the Fine Arts Courtyard of our college campus while eating Taco Bueno
2. Oklahoma- driving up to Norman on Saturday for the big game and then eating at Teds afterwards.
3.  Oklahoma- just lounging around and playing with Sandy and Baylis (the L family doggies)
4. Oklahoma (sensing a common theme??)- Sitting with Will at the park that was by our house. We have lots of good memories there.

Four people I tag:
1. Anyone

2. That
3. Hasn’t
4. Done it.

I really think I might post again today! Wow! 2 posts- I’m a wild and crazy woman! Ha ha Well see…

Have a good Labor Day!

Will went to bed at 7:30 last night.

He got up at 12:30 this morning in order to drive all the way to his camp in order to watch the season opener OU vs UAB on television. It was a 6 pm kickoff in Norman Oklahoma, which meant a very early morning for Will today.

Will doesn’t get up for much, but he gets up for OU football. That is probably the only thing that would ever drag him out of bed at 12:30 in the morning. I could put out all the stops for a beyond romantic evening with the stipulation that all activities must begin promptly at 12:30 and my sweet husband would try to figure out a way to reschedule in hopes of getting more sleep.

I love Will, but there just aren’t a whole lot of things that move the guy like OU football.

Will left a little after 1 this morning, and as I lay in bed, trying to sleep, I thought about the fact that Will loves OU football so much that he will sacrifice his already sparce sleep in order to watch “his boys.” I already knew all this about Will- because truth be told he’s borderline Jimmy Fallon in Fever Pitch when it comes to the Sooners- but being over here this year for the season opener just nailed it down so much more for me.

You know, the more I thought about Will’s devotion to the Sooners this morning, the less I thought about how crazy I thought he was for getting up before God to watch a football game. Instead I felt some sort of odd admiration for my husband. In some ways, somewhat of an envy. Not a “bad” envy (okay, I realize envy isn’t ever good, but hopefully know get what I’m trying to say), but more of a hunger for what he had. Will has this incredible passion for the Sooners. It is so strong that he will rearrange his entire schedule to watch 60 minutes of red and white jerseys collide into other men in hopes of winning something bigger than just a game in the state of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Football isn’t just a hobby for Will, it’s a passion. It’s a passion that moves him more than anything else (aside from his relationship with God and his family- though his brother Brian might object to that being that he goes to OSU!). “Wow,” I thought to myself this morning. Here I was thinking my husband was just a crazy sports obsessed lunatic (and perhaps he is), but maybe I could learn something from him. Hey- maybe we all could learn something from him.

As I lay there I tried to think of just one thing, one hobby or interest that would get me out of bed at 12:30, you know what? I couldn’t think of one. There is not one thing in my life that would prompt me to get out of bed to be a part of. Not even an all night blogging something or other. Ha ha. Now, getting up in the middle of the night is somewhat of an extreme excuse, but I’m using it because that’s exactly what Will did today.

I then began to think, “Well, if nothing would get me out of bed, what’s one thing that I’m really passionate about?” I went down my list of things I enjoy, but still… I couldn’t find something that screamed “PASSION” like OU does to Will. It sort of made me sad. I want to have a passion in life. In fact, I think my life is missing a passion over here. I’ve becoming so ho-hum about everything and I truly need an “OU Football.” Now, I should clarify in that Jesus is my above all passion. I hope you all know that about me by now, but I’m not so much talking in the spiritual sense of needing something more in my life. I’m also not talking about anything in the familial sense. I have all I need there too. I’m talking more about finding that one “thing” that really gets me excited to the point where I will devote special amounts of time and make sacrifices for to better myself and to make me feel good.

I wonder if it’s bad that I’m 23 and haven’t found it yet? I know what I like and I know what I’m good at, but I think I’m still on that search for my own “OU Football,” and maybe that’s okay.

So as I thought on about Will’s love and devotion to the Sooners and how it serves as a motivator and example to me, I decided I need to seek my own interests in the coming days.

And then I went straight to sleep.

Hey- I may need to find a passion, but I’m not at the point of losing sleep over it like Will just yet. Baby steps, right??

I love Jenny (the MIL), but frankly I’m terrified of her.

I think a lot of it is because I live in Kuwait and we haven’t exactly had a ton of time to do those “mother-daughter-in-law” things that some people do, like cooking together, clipping coupons, and discussing the new Redbook Book of the Month (ha ha, I’m kidding, but I bet there are people that do that with their inlaws… somewhere).

We have a great relationship. I mean, we get a long perfect! We talk through email weekly, talk on the phone every Thursday- we’re practically best friends.

This is all due to distance.

Truth be told, I have this intense fear of talking to his mother. In fact, sometimes I fake like I’m asleep so that I can avoid the weekl awkward Thursday conversation.

Am I terrible?

Am I breaking some rule?

I know I am. You don’t have to tell me.

I’m certain our 40 day trip home will leave me with PLENTY of blogging material. I mean, we go from once a week phone conversations to living with them in a small house. Yeah, this will be great. Stay tuned to my life.

Oh- let’s get back to those phone issues.

I have phone complexities. Ha, well I better get over them because my issues are about to become bigger. Living with anyone for longer than a month- ESPECIALLY parents or inlaws is a dangerous thing (just read my blog from the summer of 05).

There is this beautiful balance of growing up and getting the heck out of your parent’s house. When you return for an extended visit (longer than a week or two), that balance becomes distupted.

See, there’s certain things you just get over when it comes to a short stay. For example, Will is a TV hog and has a terrible diet. Jenny loves Will and can overlook this minor irritation for the first couple of weeks because she’s happy to have her baby boy home from Kuwait. However, que week three and thigns just start to wear on anyone- even Jenny (if you’ve ready my past posts you know she’s might possibly be the one to sit on the other side of Jesus in heaven one day).

Last year we got out just in the knick of time- 3 weeks in. This time, however, will prove to be quite a bit different! 5 and a half weeks of living with your parents/inlaws shifts that perfect equilibrium that was established the day you said I do.
I’m thrilled to go home and, well, just be freaking home. However, the thought of those awkward moments with the MIL keep me up at night. Oh girls, will I have a lot of posting to do in October! ha ha (let’s just hope I don’t plug up the toilet like last year- and have no scary dreams of his mom walking in on us in the act! or random days of alone awkwardness, though I know they’re coming.)

Will and his dad are taking fishing trip for a few days, which frantically makes me feel like I need an out. Sarah, can I stay with you?? Seriously, though, I have the most loving and tenderhearted MIL ever. The fact is that I am scared to say anything or joke because of how wonderful she is! To tell me to “loosen up” around her is the wrong advice. There is no loosening around my MIL. I do hope that this time will allow us to get to know each other a little better- even though that very thought is the thing that scares me! how contradicting, right?

Well I’ve just been thinking about that lately because we talked on the phone yesterday and had a good conversation, but it was still sort of awkward. I know a lot of that is because of the distance. I’ve also been thinking about how I might try to help cook while we’re home because Jenny will be working the whole time we’r ehome. This thought scares me too- but I’m sure I’ll post about that many more times when we’re finally home (29 freaking days!!)

Oh guys, October will be a wonderful month- but also a little awkward. But hey, if Will could live in a 3 bedroom apartment with my mom, dad, and sister in freaking Kuwait- this should be a piece of cake for me, right?

I have so much more I want to talk about tonight, but I need to go! Thankfully I have tomorrow off for Labor Day! yay! I love that. It will give me to catch up on blogs and cleaning.

Ha- cleaning deserves a whole post of it’s own tomorrow. Seriously, Maury Povich continues to have a job because of people like me. I swear he could come do a “How Can People Live Like This” episode at our apartment right now! It’s like our tiny apartment becomes as big as a king’s lair when I go to tackle the cleaning.

Oh! And tomorrow is my big weigh in! Can I tell you how this has vexxed me all weekend!? Seriously! I’ll have to post abou thow that goes tomorrow too. I think it’s good that the gym makes all the women do that, but I’m dreading tomorrow for the same reason! I’ll be sure to post an update on that.

Wow, now that I think of it- I have a lot to post about! I have more puppy news too. Ha, there’s no way I’m going to remember this all. Well, maybe I’ll cover one of these million issues!

Thanks for listening!
Happy Friday! Have a good day and hug your mother in law!
<3

Alas, the Monday Update.

On a Tuesday.

Yes, I’m sure the masses are doing the Napoleon Dynamite, “Yessssss” because exciting recent events are about to be unveiled (I see your eyes rolling!).

As you already know, my week has been slllooooowww and I have nothing going on, and I love everything about being an admin (ha ha, do you sense the sarcasm?), so I won’t talk about work (Thunderous applause erupts).

The Fam.

I’m so happy it’s Tuesday. My weekend is quickly approaching (and a 3 day weekend at that!). My dad is going to the states tonight and I’m a tad jealous, however it reminds me that my trip is around the corner. He’s going to visit all you Indiana nesties!

If you see him, you should definitely say hello. He has a big ski slope nose, much like mine. In fact, we’re practically twins. So- look for me but as a male and 24 years older. I promise he will be nice to you.

My mom and sister made me feel like the most special person in the whole world Saturday. They really did. In fact, I felt so special that I felt bad! If you’ve read my blog for a while you may remember I have this weird complex with people doing nice things for me. I’d link you to the specific post where I talk about this but…nah.

Saturday was a Kuwait holiday. Our company lets people pick whether they want ot be on the US holiday schedule or Kuwait holiday schedule. My mom takes Kuwait holidays because my sister is out on the same days too. So, Saturday they were both off. They had a girls day, shopping, eating… you know- girl day stuff.

Well, I had to run an errand at one of the buildings here at camp and all of a sudden I hear someone yelling my name. I turn around and my mom and sister are there! On my camp!! It was the sweetest thing ever. I work in the middle of nowhere, there’s no, “I was in the neighborhood” excuse you could pull if you were to randomly show up. No one is ever in the neighborhood! They took time out of their day off to come surprise me- and boy was I surprised!

They brought me a sweet card telling me they loved me and were proud of me and inside was a 25KD gift card to one of the malls here (which ends up being close to 100 bucks!). Then they brought me a canoli from Johnny Carinos and had the cutest little princess crowns attached to the top. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness. I really wished I had my camera with me so I could have posted some pictures. It truly made my Saturday so special and I felt very loved.

Mom and P- if you read this I love you very much and appreciate you a lot. <3

The Ring-

In sadder news, I’m currently not wearing my wedding ring.

I hate that so very much. It makes me feel so naked. I’m so used to feeling it between my fingers during the day, and looking down to admire it, but that is no more. I hate that! I know my ring is simply an outward symbol of our marriage and love, but I feel weird without it. It’s something I’ve worn everyday for almost two and a half years, and now I’m not!

Friday I noticed there was a rattle, which totally freaked me out because I assume one of the prongs must be loose. It’s a simple fix, but Will really doesn’t want to get it fixed over here for a variety of reasons. So, although I disagree, I’m going to respect him on this one and wait to get my ring fixed until we get home. So, that means 33 days of a naked left ring finger.

I noticed one of my coworkers looking at my hand yesterday and I wondered if she thought maybe Will and I were having troubles or something. There starts the rumor mill!

Friends-

Mrs. BFW surprised me by sending me a sermon tape that I got this week! It was such a thoughtful surprise. It was so nice to listen to a real church service on my way to work the other morning. BFW- you’re the bomb!

Ha ha, “the bomb.“

Does anyone ever say that anymore? I remember when I met Will I would occasionally say, “That’s the bomb dot com.” Yep. I’m a huge nerd. I remember Will looking at me and laughing so hard and then saying, “Please don’t ever say that again.” So, to spite my sweet husband (and in memory of my stupid old ways- BFW You’re the bomb dot com!” I’m a weirdo.)

It seems as if I’ve been loved a lot more than normal this week. Between my mom and sister and BFW God has sent some really thoughtful encouragement my way.

Diet/Fitness-

So guys, I’m thinking of doing something HUGE.

Seriously huge.

I’m thinking about finding a “super secret spark buddy.” Trish mentioned a brilliant idea to me a while back and I’ve been thinking on it ever since. She was asking if there was a way to where people could see what you’re eating and if you’re working out everyday, and there’s no way to do that. So, I’ve been thinking on it and thinking if someone could actually SEE what I’m eating and if I’m working out I’d be a lot more accountable. So, I’m thinking about finding someone to swap passwords with to where we can be diet accountability partners. That way they can see what I’m eating and my workout plan. 

This is a big deal guys! Like a boyfriend/girlfriend kind of commitment! I mean, I don’t let many people see this stuff! Ha ha- in fact I don’ think ANY single person could know what I eat on a daily basis because different people are around me each time I eat- so, that’s my big thing. You all are probably like, “Okay, big deal, “ and here I am acting like I’m letting someone see the depths of my soul or something. Ha ha.

So I never got to tell you my ankle story, and my now it’s sort of old news (although it‘s still giving me trouble). I haven’t done cardio in a little over a week and it’s driving my crazy! I doubt I’ll do any this week either. I have continued to do weights, though, so I don’t feel as slackerish. Have I told you all how much I love lifting weights!? I love it so much. I wish I could do it everyday. I haven’t noticed a difference in my body or inches or anything- which is somewhat frustrating after about 5 weeks, but hopefully I will soon. I think I’m going to take out a temporary membership to the Y while we’re home so I can keep up with my fitness regime.

Job-

Ha ha, I DID say I wasn’t going to talk job stuff, right? Well, when I started this post it was my intention- but then something came up: a job opportunity (possibly). Please say a prayer that this works out. I’m going to talk to my boss about it today, and hopefully I’ll have a resume into recruiting soon.

Hey! You’re reading!! I said pray!!

Miscellaneous information no one will probably read but I’m posting anyway:

So it’s hotter than a cat in heat today, and the humidity is all but making it bearable.

I truly hope we get some mild weather when we go home.. in freaking 33 days! Aaahh!!!!

Last night Will told me it seemed as if I wasn’t as excited about going home this time. You know what? It’s weird because I’ve sort of felt that way too. I told him I sort of felt like I was missing out on the pre-vacation excitement experience because of how I’ve been lately. I mean, half the fun of vacation is the excitement leading up to it!

If you read old posts from last year, it’s all I seemed to talk about, but for some strange reason, this year I can’t get myself to bounce off the walls in vacation anticipation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled, but for some weird reason that sense of urgency for going home just isn’t there. I think it’s because in the back of my mind whether I want to admit it or not, I’m sad we’ll be coming back for Christmas. I know that’s ages away and I should put the cart before the horse, but I’m thinking maybe subconsciously that’s why I haven’t been as excited about coming home this time… who knows with me though!

I’ve been eating peanut butter right out of the jar with a plastic spoon lately. For some weird reason it HAS to be a plastic spoon or it doesn’t seem as gratifying (SEE! See why I need some diet accountafreakingbility!?). I don’t know why I just randomly threw that into my post, but hey- it IS under my miscellaneous stuff, so it’s totally permissible. Anything is a go under here!

Okay, I think I’ve said enough. Ha, that ALWAYs seems to be the way I end these update posts

Guys you’re going to think I’m silly, but I swear I’m on MTV Boiling Points and I just don’t know it. Do you guys remember that show? I really think that this is an extended version of the show and I’m secretly being filmed and instead of the whole “Lets see how long this poor girl will remain patient with the saleslady that has a striking resemblance to Rosanne and is trying to hustle her into buying 30 pounds of bloodwurst,” It’s the one year version of the same thing just spread out into several less severe and noticeable things througouht each day. I just know that any second someone is going to jump out with a big “Surprise! You’re on MTV Boiling Points!” And instead of handing me a crisp $100, they’ll give me the “year long boiling point” award of $100,000.

I’ve narrowed it down to either MTV Boiling Points or The Apprentice Tryout. If the Donald walks into my office sometime next week, I swear my jaw wouldn’t even drop in shock- because I totally think he’s in on this. He’s created these tasks and jobs to see if I’m worthy of being The Apprentice. He’s a pretty sneaky guy!

Are you guys in on this too??

Do you all sit on the couch and watch my show every Thursday at 7:00 while eating pork rinds and clipping your toenails??

Am I the only person that is clueless here!?

Okay, as you can see paranoia is getting the best of me.

The truth is guys, I don’t like my job. I know I’m capable of so much more, but instead I’m being a stinking Marketing Admin… heck- why be politically correct!? A freaking secretary! Guys, secretary jobs suck (and I can totally say that because I have one). The job market isn’t too lucrative here either, so it appears I will continue to hold the prestigious title of Marketing Admin. For the coming future.

I know The Emperor wants to get me doing more marketing things, but right now I’m so bogged down with the frustrating “dump secretary jobs” that I don’t have time for anything else- which, as an admin, is my job to begin with, but hopefully you’re sort of getting what I’m trying to say. I feel so terrible for talking this way because all last summer I prayed that God would allow me to get a job here, and then it happened and it doesn’t seem good enough so now I’m praying for something better. Is that bad? I’m so thankful I have a job, so I wonder if it’s bad that I don’t feel happy with what I have at the moment, knowing in my heart this is only a temporary thing.This has been the longstanding theme in my life since day one here, however it’s just continued to worsen. There are so many things I need to spill about my job situation, but I have absolutely no desire to talk about my job- so it’s sort of a Catch 22! I just needed to vent and let off some steam today- hence the post.

Today is MONDAY- which means I’m totally behind on my blogging! Hopefully I can squeeze in a Tuesday Monday Update because (and I know this is a huge shock) I have stuff to talk about, darn it. Don’t let me forget that. We have serious business to discuss (lie) that just can’t wait (lie).

Buckle up nesties, we’re plowing full speed ahead in the shoulder while everyone is sitting in traffic- and I have no idea where I’m going.

(Basically that means I’m just jumping in and am going to get down to business, wherever that takes me.)

I got a comment on Monday regarding my life in Kuwait and my relationship with God. I read it, read it again, and have read it about 3 times since. I think I read it so many times because I wonder if others think this too as they read my blog. It wasn’t a hurtful comment and wasn’t rude in the least (in fact, I appreciate you very much!), but it really got me thinking about how what I say is taken.

Okay, wait a minute- I’m not writing this because I want to please the masses and I’m worried if someone doesn’t see me the way I wish them to. I’m writing because I really truly count you guys as friends and friends should know the answers to their questions if they have them, so- let’s get this freaking thing answered, shall we?

I’ve had about a day and a half to think over this post and I still don’t know where to begin. Did I just say I was PLOWING full speed ahead? Uh, well I might have been wrong. I’d like to have this long drawn out post explaining everything, but I’m tired. you’re tired. We’re all freaking TIRED!! Who wants to read stuff like that when they’re tired? NO ONE.

I feel foolish because I somehow built this whole thing up and now I’m letting you all down because I just am out of breath right now. I think it’s because I’m truly just exhausted and ready to get away and go home for a while. I feel like I’m in this huge race and I’m wheezing and my muscles are aching and I am just out of energy and doing everything I can to simply make it to the finish line. I can see it up ahead and that renews my hope, but sorry guys, I’ve just sort of become numb lately.

So, behold the list. Below are the list of questions that were posed to me (copied and pasted to be fair and accuate). I feel it only fair to answer you all. I’m among friends, right? I sure hope so. Let’s FINALLY get started.

1. do you wonder what you will do when you go home.  will you visit all your old friends, go to your old church?
YES, I do wonder. I don’t really know if this question meant go home for good or go home for vacation. There’s a huge difference. If it’s what we’ll do when we go home in October I know exactly what we’ll be doing, and you all will be reading about it through my blogs. So, that’s an easy question. We will be visiting with old friends while we’re home and we will be attending the church Will grew up in, it’s the same church his parents go to. It’s an amazing church and the thought of actually going to a real church service thrills me.

Now, if it means wondering what I’ll do when I go home for good, well I have absolutely no clue. Will has no clue. We’re both pretty clueless! I truly have no idea what we will do when we go home. I know the career path I would like to take, but there are still so many holes because I don’t know what Will will be doing and where we’ll live and everything in between. I try not to think too far ahead right now. I take each day at a time and work towards the long term goals we have set here. I really have to focus on my life here right now because if we “stick to the plan,” we’ll still be here a while.

2.do you feel bad for being in kuwait and not being able to attend church.  it would make me feel like i was out of the will of the Father not being able to worship Him.  giving Him whats His.
To be honest, this question somewhat offended me, but because I have to assume maybe others wonder the same thing I will go ahead and answer it and be fully honest. I don’t exactly feel bad for not being able to attend church. I mean, this is Kuwait. Where would we go? There is one Christian church that offers an English speaking service, but there are some pretty fundamental difference between what we believe and what they believe, so as a family, Will and I have felt led not to attend.

My heart misses church. I miss the support of fellow Christians. I miss singing praises with hundreds of people singing along with me to God. Most of all, I miss having a real Christian friend. I haven’t had one of those in years and I earnestly pray God brings a best friend into my life. I miss church, but feeling “bad” is not exactly the emotion that is brought to mind because of where we live.

I know many would say they would feel they were out of the will of the father by not being able to attend church and worship him. I think that’s a fair thing most people might say, but I don’t fully agree with it. I know I say how much I miss being home, and I fully do, but guys, I have never in my life felt I was more in the will of God than I do right now. I know 100% that God has ordained Will and I to be in Kuwait on August 25, 2006. He has given both me and Will as well as our family a peace about this. We will continue to live in Kuwait and be in his will until he calls us away.

It’s so funny how we sort of came over here with our visions of grandeur to prepare for our future, etc. We prayed about coming over here and knew God paved the way for us to come, but it’s funny to look back then and see now how God has manifested himself. Here we thought we were coming over for one reason, but God had such bigger plans than the small ones we created on our own. Will interacts with hundreds of soldiers each week that are preparing to go to Iraq. What better place to show Christ than to a soldier looking for hope? There are daily countless opportunities for us to show Christ. To say we’re out of the will of the Father is wrong, because we fully know we are. To say we’re not able to give to Him what is fully His is also wrong because I daily have to surrender my life to him more now than I have ever in my whole life. I freaking live in Kuwait!! An entie country devoted to Islam! We’re on a daily mission trip. Back home I relied on God, but here I need Him. Is it hard to be a Christian here? It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But, when I read that question it sort of made me feel like I had forsaken the Father by coming over here and that is so opposite from the truth. I know that may be hard to understand, but I think you guys get it.

3. do you ever wonder if you would be happy back in the states paying taxes, rent, utilities, tithes, etc.
I don’t wonder if I’ll be happy back in the states paying taxes, rent, utilities, tithes, etc. I know I will be happy. I am eager for the day when God calls us back to America. I have no idea what we’ll do and where we’ll live, but I am excited to go home. I’m a little scared, but mostly eager. We do pay tithes despite living over here. You can’t assume just because we live over here we forgot about God and don’t pay tithes. Oh, and we ride to work on camels too. ha ha, I’m just kidding, but I think there may be some misconceptions about me and my life here.

I know it seems as If I’m constantly talking about missing home, and I do, but I think sometimes I show just a slice of my life instead of the whole picture, you know? I think when I get on the nest and read about you all and your lives in America and the fact that if you wanted to meet you could just hop in the car and have a real nestie reunion, I miss having that freedom. I miss having girl friends and being able to go out on my own. There are some big things I miss in the States and I know I convey that to you guys a lot and I sometimes forget to mention, “Oh yeah, I’m content here too though.”

My blog is my outlet. I share my “I miss home” frustrations on here so much because this is my journal.
Here’s what it comes down to. I answer to God. Maybe people think I’m some heathen for not doing what they conventionally think is the “right thing” to do, but I don’t answer to those people. I answer to God. Will and I are happy. Do we miss home terribly? Oh my gosh yes. Do we get excited more and more as each day to vacation approaches? Ha, have you seen my counter!?

So, that’s my piss-poor post. I intended to talk about a lot of other things, but this is already long! I sort of feel that Glaze Stephanie B was talking about. I almost feel like a zombie right now, just sort of making it from one day to the next. I hate that because that’s not like me. I think it’s just that I need a break for a while, and October reminds me that it’s fastly approaching.

No more talk of this! Hopefully I cleared up any lingering confusion that has kept you all awake at night. ha ha.

I feel like I have so much to tell you guys. I sprained my ankle this week and haven’t even freaking posted about it! Where have I been!? Seriously!

I think I’ve said enough today. A normal Brittny post to follow… (as well as feedback. Even Zombies can read their favorite blogs, darn it!)

Have a good weekend!

swear, Will is just killing me with all this sweet thoughtful stuff!

Last night he carefully planned the most romantic candlelight dinner for us to share while we discussed our days.

The mood was perfect,

the food was incredible-

the conversation? Even better.

Okay, okay…

You caught me.

I’m totally lying.

Truth is Will’s “planned” candlelight dinner was more of a scheduled power outage, but a girl can dream right!? Ha ha

I had a stressful day at work and Will took it upon himself to order pizza for us (mmm, fat, carbs, and processed cheese!). We started dinner, sitting on the couch watching a Seinfeld (yes, we’re one of the terrible American families that no longer sits at the table. Truth be told, because of space issues in our apartment, our table is like our desk, housing our printer and computer and various bills, letters, etc. So- the couch it is. I promise you all that when I have a family one day we’ll eat that the table, okay?) and all of a sudden “snap!” There goes the power.

“Darn, no Seinfeld,” I say sarcastically. We scrounge around trying to find our way in the dark. Will finally gets a flashlight and I find my little lighter switch thing (because I’m scared of matches and cigarette lighters. I really am. Maybe I’ll elaborate one day.) and start a candle.

We finish dinner via flashlight and candlelight and then sit on the couch simply talking and enjoying the quiet of the night. It’s never quiet in kuwait, especially at night. It seemed so peaceful. We talked about vacation and what we did last year and what we’ll be doing this year. We talked about work and our families. We talked about everything really. I know Will may not readily agree, but I’m glad the power went out. It was nice just to sit and talk and not have to compete with anything- the computer showing the latest draft status, the TV with the latest news on Orbit, the refrigerator (a place I like to frequent!)… it was just me and Will in the dark quiet of the night and it made me happy. I don’t think it made Will “happy” exactly, but I too think he enjoyed our conversation.

As we went to bed last night I told Will we should have pretend power outages. He thought I was silly, but I think I’m being serious…

So that’s today’s story. I have so very much I wish to tell you all, but I’m mentally composing my next post. I have a lot to think over. I want to have time to write it when I’m at home and not frantically pecking away at the keyboard praying The Emperor doesn’t ask me for something.

I hope you guys feel like we know each other, like you know who Brittny is, but I think after tomorrow you might have a better idea. I don’t promise a barrel of laughs (what does that mean anyway? If you ever find a barrel of laughs, will you please send it to me?), but I do promise a look into who I am and what my heart looks like, though I hope by know you all know my heart pretty well…

Are you ready to dive into my world?

I have quite possibly the most disturbing news EVER! (seriously, EVER!!) but I’m scared to share it. It’s not that it’s unknown, trust me, it’s big news around here, but at the same time I never want to embarrass someone. What a predicament!

Okay guys, how about you GUESS it so I don’t have to come right out and SAY it!? Like a game!

Okay, Hint #1:
This disturbing news involves a certain someone that has frequented my posts throughout the months. This person has an adorable dog and considered getting rid of it (only until they stomped on my dreams and spit on me, all while laughing and eating a burrito supreme).

Okay, now that we’ve established the PERSON let’s go to Hint #2:
This person created something with an unknown source. The “something” that was created is now alive and living off “mean genes” and is probably learning how to cuss in different languages and make “maddy cat” faces, and it doesn’t even freaking have one yet (a face)!

YES! Can you believe it!!?

You guys so have to know what I’m talking about. I refuse to say anymore (as if I even freaking needed to!). This was quite honestly, the news that shocked the world. No joke.

Now that I’ve pathetically started off this post with “the big news,” I feel a little tacky. Sorry guys, but you had to know. you’ve been with me through so much regarding that person, so I felt it was my duty to tell you (ha ha- duty. okay Britt, you’re a gossiping loser in denial. Just admit it and move on).

Will and Brittny: Skip to my Lou-
Will bought me skip-bo Saturday. You would have thought he brought home a dozen pink and yellow roses with a special love note or something the way I freaked out! He really made me feel special.

It’s funny how throughout our 2.5 (almost .6!) years of marriage we’ve gone from flowers to skip-bo, but to me it shows a growth in intimacy. Will knows me so much better now. Granted, flowers would have been a nice surprise too, but not as thoughtful and loving as that deck of cards.

See, I had mentioned in passing the other day that all we do together is watch box sets and movies. I thought it would be good for us to do something different for a change- and low and behold Will was listening and not just hearing because on the following Saturday he surprised me with Skip-Bo, the very first game we had as a married couple! It’s definitely not the most thrilling of games, and doesn’t require a whole lot of skill, but nonetheless, I had so much fun playing Skip-Bo with Will our first year together (by the way, I’m undefeated!). Will isn’t as enthused with the game, so it showed me all the more that he cared.

We played Saturday night and I have continued to hold on to my undeated title. I’ll try not to burn Will out too much on Skip-Bo, though I am always telling him how I can’t wait to move home and have real friends so we can have a game night! I promise, if you came over we wouldn’t have to play Skip-Bo. There are much more fun games than that (like UNO. ha ha, just kidding). I’m sure my thoughtful husband would agree.

Last night he did something very thoughtful too (who are you and what have you done with my husband!?)! He recently bought the new Mercy Me cd. He came home, put the disc in the player, and told me when he listened to one of the songs he instantly thought about me. It’s called “Bring the Rain.” It’s a beautiful song and really conveys how I feel about things.

See, sometimes I wonder if all this stuff (job stuff) is happening because God is punishing/disciplining me. As Will and I listened to the song he told me that God does all things to bring Him glory, and although I don’t understand why all this is happening, I just need to cling to him and allow these rainy days to get closer to Him. I already knew all that, but hearing him say it as we were listening to a song that I could relate to was just what I needed. I felt such a peace from God last night. I thought it was very sweet of Will to think about me.

So, that’s 2 sweet things from Will in one week. He’s a very loving guy and all, but we don’t do extra sweet things like that on a back to back basis! ha ha. My only explanation is that he wants my love tank to be full (reference to The 5 Love Languages) so that I will in turn keep his full. This probably means he wants me to back the crap off of him so he can do some fantasy football stuff. So, although he thinks he’s getting one over on me, I’m quietly aware and will support his need. Besides, after those two sweet things I pretty much have to!

Diet & Health:
Things on the diet/fitness front are
okay. Yesterday, this sweet filipino lady at work told me I had a nice body. I wanted to throw myself over the desk and give her a huge hug all while calling the Kuwait High Marching Band (ha ha, I don’t even think there is such a thing!) and telling them to get the parade organized.

A large majority of the population in Kuwait is Filipino, and the majority of the women here are tiny, petite women with amazingly thin bodies. I think she must have meant to say, “You need a nice body,” but the “need” and “have” got mixed in translation. ha ha. I think it’s because I’m curvy and most of the women from that culture aren’t. I laughed and told her thanks and that if she wanted to trade for a day I’d be all for it.

As for the gym, I think I’ve hurt myself. I’ve been needing to change shoes, and last week it all came to a head. See, they were out of towels at the gym. I was in a paniced state, as I am a fierce sweater- shamelessly flinging the stuff everywhere.

Without a towel I’d be doomed.

What am I saying!? Without a towel everyone in a 2 mile radius would be doomed.

So, I opted to avoid the actual gym area and run the track, sparing the majority of women from terrential downpour. That was quite possibly the worst decision I could have made. I ran, knowing I was in pain, but also knowing that everyone was watching me. I couldn’t wuss out! I had to press on. What an idiot. I showed them, didn’t I!? The muscles (ligaments? tendons? hmm, what are they) on both sides of my left ankle are really tight and sore. I’m afraid I did something wrong. I guess that’s what I get for being a prideful idiot, huh? I’ve stuck to the elliptical since. I don’t seem to burn as many calories in the same amount of time, but it feels better on my owie. Hopefully I’ll be back to running (in new shoes!) soon. So, that’s the gym update!

Hmm, something else.... I feel like there was something else I needed to talk about…

haha

Okay- the puppy.
We’re getting one (99% anyway)! (yes, I know that was pretty much already established, but let me bask in my moment) We have no idea what we’re getting, but darn it, we’re getting one (99%).

We have about a million details to work through before everything is finalized and I feel like I’m down to the wire (ha ha, 41 days out and I feel like I’m down to the wire). We still need to find a breeder. Erin, a fellow Sooner, pointed me to the Daily Oklahoman classifieds online, so I’ve found lots of people with registered maltese puppies far cheaper than some of the other places I’ve been looking.

I emailed the embassy to see what all paperwork and documentation we might need to enter the country with a dog. The next thing we’ll have to do is contact the airline to find out how much flying the little thing will be. I sure hope this dog ends up being worth it! It already seems like we’re going to be spending a lot of money for something less than 10 pounds. Hopefully what he lacks in funds he’ll make up for in years of fun for the WB family.

Will continues to call me “Booger” everytime he answers my calls. I think he secretly wants a maltese. Annie, if we really do this whole compromising thing I might end up with a furry maltese named “Booger."I’ll have to tell Will that someone is on his side on this one. It will make him feel good. So, that’s the next big thing.

MAYBE NOW MY MOM AND DAD WILL BUY P A PUPPY SO MY DOG WON’T BE LONELY. HINT. HINT

The Massage.
Oh, ha ha. I got a massage last week. My first ever big girl massage. I was all nervous and uptight about the whole thing.

I got to the place and a lady escorted me back to my room. She gave me a towel and told me to undress and lie on the table. So, I undress- mostly. I’m down to my undies and think,

“Okay. Do I leave these on!? WhaddaIdo!?”

I needed so badly to call someone at that very second but “Ethel” was out of town, and my mom and sister were headed to the airport to go to India.

I was stranded, like the last summer outfit that’s been marked down a hundred times and is practically free. You feel bad walking past it because it’s almost as if the threads are grabbing onto your leg desperately crying, “Please buy me! Please don’t leave me alone on the rack!!!!” Yeah, I was alone like that.

So, I pulled them down, then thought, “Wait! What am I doing!?”

So I pulled them back up. “Well, she did say undress.” So they went back down.

“But this is Kuwait- does she mean undress or take off a couple pieces of clothing?” back up.

“But I think you’re nude when you get a massage. That’s what the towel is for right!?” Back down.

“Hmm, I have no idea. Better play it safe.” Back up.

I went back and forth so many times. I finally decided to play it safe. I figured if I was wrong I’d rather be wrong that way instead of going in the buff only to find out I wasn’t supposed to. Once I got over all that I was all set. The massage was wonderful, only I wish I would have known they rub their oily hands all in your scalp and stuff, I would have skipped washing my hair that day.

Could there really be anything else to update you guys on? I think that about covers it. Gosh, I hope so! I’ve written a novel.

Welcome back!

More to come

WHY DOES THIS POST LOOK FUNNY!?!?! Hmmm, please read anyway.

I didn’t know this was going to be a joint decision.

Well, the good news is that we’re probably going to get a puppy while we’re home this fall!

The bad news is that it will never happen because apparently this is, well, a joint decision.

Oh shut up.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, (insert mocking voice), “Marriage is 50-50.” “Marriage is a compromise.” Etc., etc., etc.

I know all that.

I agree with that.

Except for when it pertains to a puppy.

The truth is, I honestly thought this dog thing was, “My baby.” I thought it up, I picked the breed, it would be sort of “my dog.” These thoughts quickly came spiraling down like a blazing meteor to the earth Monday night.

Will: “So, let’s look at what we want.”

Me: “We? You got a frog in your pocket?” The conversation went on from there.

Apparently this is a family decision. Enter the difference between men and women: I’m half joking when I say this whole thing is mine- all mine (evil laugh), but I’m half not.

I thought we would jointly make the decision to get a maltese, we would jointly love it, we would jointly care for it, we would buy a OU doggie sweater for it to wear on game days (hey, I said I wasn’t a dog snob, so I don’t have to defend this last comment!) etc.

That’s the “we” part I was okay with.

Will, however, interprets “we” differently. To Will, “we” means, We will sit down, and go through breeds we like.” We will decide on a breed together and as a team. We will pick the dog out together, and we will dress it in an OU doggie sweater on game days.

Do you see a common theme in these “we statements?”

No, no you do not. Because Will and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum on this dog thing and neither of us is budging. You know that whole 2 feet stuck in the cement thing? That’s us. I’m the north pole, he’s the south pole. I’m breakfast, he’s dinner, I’m Paris, he’s Nicole Richie (haha, they both annoy me but I thought that was a pretty good polarization). We could not be more separated on this.

Here’s what we’ve decided: we want a dog that will fit out lifestyle.

I want a maltese (an adorable, affectionate, fluffy maltese)

He wants a min pin (a smart, non-shedding YAPPY min pin).

Period.

He thinks malteses are a hairy mess and the crap under their eyes (which can be removed- thanks Erin!) makes them look diseased.

I think a min pin is way too yappy for an apartment.

See the compromise?

Ha.

That was Monday’s conversation. We agreed to give it a couple days, do some more research about our breeds and talk about it later.

Tuesday night will and I had a lengthy phone conversation on our way home from work. The conversation was so entertaining I literally told Will I wished I had a tape recorder so you guys could have heard it. We were both laughing hysterically. Unfortunately none of that will be captured in this post!

The whole time both of us were driving home we talked about dogs. Neither of us were budging. Finally I said,

“Look. We’re both going to have to sit down and really talk about this and we’re going to have come to a joint compromise and agreement.” I thought for a second and “bingo!” I instantly won wife of the week award:

“Okay, let’s look at this situation in terms of fantasy football. This is like the mondo important trade proposal that has the potential to make your team the best yet! Now, to get what you want you’re going to have to do some trading and sacrificing. For example, a person might say, ‘I’ll let you pick the breed if I get to pick the actual dog and name it.’ See? Sacrifice but still a large victory. We’re going to have to draw up a trade proposal and do a little giving and taking on this so that we both feel good in the end.” (Way to go Me on the football + dog comparison!)

I really thought I connected and made a valid point. I felt good that I was able to truly convey the 50-50 part of this dog thing, only for him to respond with:

“What would it take for us to get a min pin?”

“Oh heavens, I don’t even know! I’m going to have to go back to the drawing board on this one!”

So much for my great analogy.

Aside from the whole breed debacle, there’s a lot of other things we’re going to have to work, like getting the documentation to bring it back here, flying it back here, the vet back here… if this is something we’re REALLY going to do, we have a lot to talk about.

So, we are getting a dog, but we’re not getting a dog.

But we are

But we’re not…

Your guess is as good as mine.

So the last few days I’ve been flooding his inbox with a ton of maltese breeder information, pictures of the cutest puppies ever and little captions that say, “I want to be your puppy!” how could he NOT want a maltese after my hard work!?

Will?

Will is busy with the draft and has yet to do any min pin research. Maybe he’ll do some this weekend before our big dog conversation.

I’ve officially decided even the conversation about whether or not to “have a puppy” has better prepared me for having the having real kids conversation one day. Thankfully there won’t be much discussion about the “breed” of our child. That’s up to God, and at this point, this whole dog thing is too.

***

Will,

I know you don’t ever read my blog, but this message is specifically for you. If you don’t come up with a valid “trade proposal” by Friday night we are officially getting a maltese, period. I’m writing this for the whole world to see, including you. All my nestie friends are witnesses and are on my side (and if they’re not, I’m saying they are anyway because they’re my friends and friends have each other’s backs). I love you, but I’m getting my maltese. Oh- and we’re not naming him Booger. I think you better start doing some research because… how do you say it in football terms… It’s 4th down with .03 seconds left in the 4th quarter and I’m up 7. Ha, who am I kidding? I’m up 21. DO YOUR DOGGIE HOMEWORK IF YOU REALLY WANT A YAPPY MIN PIN!

I love you bunches! You’re wonderful and you make my heart smile...but seriously… we’re getting a maltese if you don’t do your homework sweetie. <3

Britter

As promised, here’s the Monday Lowdown.

Puppy:

I think it’s best to begin with yesterday’s topic- the puppy.

Guys, I have sad news! The puppy is no more.

No, it didn’t die, but my visions of grandeur have been shot cold. As it appears, the Emperor truly did use the puppy as kryptonite. I took the puppy bait and am weaker for it.

I took Jess’s advice and put some MAJOR hints on the table. In fact, they were so blatant I don’t think you could call them hints. Anyway, the Emperor has decided that they want the dog after all. I think all the talk of giving it away probably made them realize, “Hey- I want this dog,” and so that was the decision.

It could be that or the Emperor is truly evil and this was all a set up to break my heart. Yes, I’m sure that’s what it was. Ha ha, just kidding.

I did tell my kindred spirit that I felt like I rushed home to pee on a pregnancy stick only for it to turn out negative. I know the disappointment isn’t really the same as what that would feel like, but I do have to admit I was a lot more bummed than I thought I would have been. So, you know what I’ve been doing to dull the pain? Torturing myself. Yes, that’s right. I’m making things worse on myself.

I’ve been looking up maltese breeders online. Yeah, I know, roll your eyes and say, “Brittny is a dog snob! She wants a purse dog like all the celebrities- barf.” The truth is that I’ve wanted a maltese as long as I can remember, before they even became the poor little poster children for anorexic teen actresses. I’ve been looking into flying one here and quarantine and shots and everything in between. I have this crazy idea that I’m going to get one while we’re on vacation and then are going to take it back with us. Yes, I realize this is crazy. HEY- LET ME DREAM HERE!

Will knows how badly I’ve wanted a maltese (he thinks they’re not real dogs. I can understand what he’s trying to say. To him, a real dog is a German Shepard, a golden retriever, or our personal favorite- Labs. Malteses are just fluffy balls of barking cuteness, not a “real dog.”), and he actually said these words as we got up this morning,

“Britt, if you want a maltese we can get one on one condition- we name it Booger.”

We had a great laugh about that. You know what? I think he was half serious.

He was talking to me and holding the following conversation with himself:

“C’mon Britter! There’s something so funny about having a cute little fluffy dog named Booger.”

“Awww, what’s your doggie’s name, Brittny?”

“BUUUGER.”

Apparently that would be how we’d have to say it too.

Will had fun with that this whole morning. I don’t think I’m desperate enough for this compromise. I can only hope he’ll join me on the right side of this matter. Plus I think our timelines might be different. For all I know Will is probably thinking we’ll be getting “booger” when we come home for good. I, however, am calling Mr. DogMan from Texas as soon as he uttered the words. See, different timeline. Maybe I just get clarification. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll continue to torture myself by doing dog research today simply because, well, I have no willpower. Plus, let’s face it, I’ve got the fever!

To make matters MUCH worse, several (YES SEVERAL: Jenny & Craigs, Miss. Doxie’s, The Random Muse’s See! I’m not lying!) blogs I’ve read today feature puppy pictures that have melted my heart and made me want to cry because God is laaaaaughing at me. God, can I get a puppy?

Oh, by the way, when I talked to Will this afternoon he answered the phone with a big hearty, “Hey Booger!” He also mentioned that if I wanted a dog in the states we could bring it back. I’ll be honest and say he was HEARING me and not LISTENING to me. Believe me, there is a major difference. I even took a class on it! Trust me, he heard. He didn’t listen. I’ll ask tonight to be sure.

Grandma:

In other, much more somber and sad news, Grandma Bea passed away Friday night (everyone shakes their finger at me and thinks I’m a total loser for posting about the dog before Bea. I simply figured I’d start on a positive note, put Bea in the middle, and end on a happy note).

We’ve known this was coming for a long time, but it’s still hard to take when it happens. Bea had been sick for a very long time, but last week they gave her days to live. I think knowing that helped everyone to be a little more composed for the actual news. Everyone is handling it well, but I do feel sad for Will’s grandpa. I imagine he is feeling lonely. Today is her funeral, so I will be keeping the L family in my prayers.

I look forward to going home and looking at Bea’s ring (she wanted me to have her wedding ring, so a few months ago she gave it to my MIL to keep for me until we got back). It was so touching that she gave it to me, and it will give me something to remember her by.

So, that’s really all I have to say about that news. I know you probably think I’m terrible for moving on with this post and talking about other “normal” things, but Will and I are going to honor her memory tonight since we’ll be absent from the funeral. There just isn’t a whole lot else to say right now. I wanted to tell you because I’ve talked about her in my blog before and want you all to know what’s going on in my life. This is going on in my life. Having said that, I’m going to move on with this post and talk about more positive things.

Draft:

Yes, it’s that time again.

Fantasy football draft time.

Will has made things much more difficult because he has not one league,

not two leagues,

but THREE leagues.

Three leagues.

That’s researching times 3,

computer hogging times 3,

picking players times 3,

obsessing about every game that will ever be played times 3…

Guys, one league is bad enough for a wife.

One puts you on the sports widow waiting list.

THREE?

Three puts you on the mental institution waiting list.

I’m going out of my mind. Slowly, but steadily. I thought having one of the three leagues together would be fun, good for us- healthy. However, I think it’s just making me crazy. The draft hasn’t even started but since has more leagues than stars in the sky he gets free draft challenge things (don’t ask) which basically mean he is tied to the computer every night and even gets up in the middle of the night to check his draft status because he doesn’t want to keep people in the states waiting on him because of the time difference. I say he’s crazy. Should I host an intervention? I should probably wait until the season starts.

Oh, speaking of- The Sooners are playing their first game in just a few weeks! Will is like a little kid. I’m sure you’re shocked.

The draft is a subject I could talk about FOREVER, but to spare your blinding eyes, I will move on.

Gym:

No new news on gym girl. I saw her Thursday. I think she reads my blog. “Hey- competitive girl at the gym!- let’s work out together!”

I think she reads my blog because she totally tried to ignore me, but I still caught her staring, mainly because I was fixated on her. It turns out that it was my turn to be the crazy one this week and have the mental competition.

When I got the news about Bea I skipped the gym that night and hung out with Will. I used my elliptical which I think make it happy. It’s been lonely since I joined the gym. I went last night and lifted weights but did nothing else. My arms are feeling sore today, and I know my legs will follow suit. I have quickly discovered that I love lifting weights. Hopefully I will be able to see a difference in the next 4-6 weeks or so. I can already see definition in my back, so that’s very exciting! I’m enjoying the weights so much that I think I’m going to get a temporary membership to the Y when we’re at home- which is 48 days away! YAY. It will be here so soon.

Family and My Loserness:

My family is going to India on Wednesday. They’ll be gone 10 days doing fun and interesting things. I’m a little bummed because at the same time my family is gone, “Ethel” is going to (not to India silly, to the states for a conference)! Oh no! I will be sad for 10 days! The above people are the only ones I talk to about “real stuff,” so maybe I will be blogging more in the coming days.

Kuwait Blogs:

I discovered the most interesting blog “secret!” http://www.kuwaitblogs.com I stumbled upon this site yesterday and have been hooked since. It’s been so interesting to read what people literally down the street from me are thinking and writing about. I got so giddy with glee that I had to pass it on. I probably enjoy it so much because it’s a local group of bloggers just like me, but if you get bored, check it out.

Johanna, you might like looking at these. I have found them very interesting.

I thought it might be fun to add my page, but for a host of reasons I won’t discuss here, it’s probably best I don’t. I will continue to enjoy what I’ve found though! Hey, maybe the girl at the gym has a blog on there! I wonder if she talks about me?

***

This has become quite the update! Is anyone still reading? Did I tell you I inherited 2 million dollars yesterday and I’m going home and flying you all out to my new mansion for a party!? Ha ha, just wanted to see if anyone was reading. If you are, I was lying about that, but if I did inherit that much I would throw a party for my nestie crew.

I think I’ve covered just about everything! Thanks for letting me get everything out today, especially my puppy sadness and even more, my news about Bea.

Hope you had a good weekend. Happy Monday!

PS- I want a puppy.

<3