And just like that....

I'm back in the game.

Just a few days ago, I was blogging about shelving my job search temporarily. Now, I'm rushing around trying to get myself together for my first day back to work! I am truly relieved that I am able to get back to work, but at the same time, I'm going to miss all of my new-found activities! I was finally starting to get used to life at home. I had begun to embrace life as a housewife, and was loving all of the time I had to spend with my friends.

I'm really excited about my new job, it kind of just fell onto my lap and I could not be more thrilled to begin! I'll be working as the assistant for the photographer who works specifically on-post. We have a TON of projects in the upcoming weeks and I am so pumped to dive right into it.

Anyway- I'll have more of an update later, and a re-cap of the things I've learned during my time at home. Until then, off to work I go!

Steps

The hardest steps in all of our journeys, are the first.

The first shoelace that's tied.

The first foot in front of the other.

This is a relative concept to most things. Both literally, and figuratively, the first steps are the biggest challenge. The first few words of a blog post, the first moments in the morning when you're deciding to get out of bed. The first attempt to reconcile a damaged relationship. The first Sunday back to Church. So many first steps we take on a daily basis. So many moments that we decide to overcome the challenge, instead of letting it overcome us.

Sometimes, when that challenge seems just a bit too daunting, we stand still. When the turmoil of what is to come seems like it is just too much, we close our eyes, lock our knees, and stand as a statue. It's a valid option to combating obstacles, but by standing still, we make no progress.

I'm making a vow to myself that I'm no longer going to stand on the sidelines. I'm not going to stand by and watch life pass before my eyes because I'm too afraid to take a step. Nope. I'm not just taking steps, I'm taking strides. I'm joining the race and leaving the weight of fear behind.

I challenge you, too. I challenge you to take even just baby steps, or shuffles, in the direction of progress. I challenge you to set your goals, and make them your finish line, not just a distant dream. So many of us treat our goals as dreams, as "someday" kind of thoughts. Goals aren't. Goals are attainable and just waiting for us to reach them.

How can we reach them if we aren't willing to move?

A lull for the sake of sanity

As most of you know, or could easily find out by reading my last few posts, I've had a lot of extra time on my hands lately, thanks to the lovely state of our economy. With all of this availability, I've done my best to occupy my days productively, by starting and completing a few projects around the house, getting back on track with my marathon training, and most of all, job hunting. Up to the end of last week, there has not been a day that has gone by that I have not submitted at least one application per day, and most days, I have submitted WAY more than just one. Needless to say, those tiresome hours typing and emailing away have, so far, been a fruitless effort. So, this week, I am on hiatus from the monotonous and exhausting work that is job hunting. Yes, I know, I know, I can't give up, and believe me, I'm not. But, I've made a vow to myself (and a few others) that I would put my faith in God, and truly believe that what is meant to be is meant to be.

Easier said than done.

Distracted

I am a very focused person. I set my mind to a task and will complete it without straying. Usually.
Lately, I am a mess of all things unorganized. Don't get my wrong, in this past week, I have scrubbed my house from top to bottom, but it has not been without struggle to stay on task. I'm not sure what it is, whether I'm suffering from adult-ADD, but my mind and thought are ALL OVER THE PLACE.
Right now, as I am supposed to be compiling my meal plan and grocery list for the next two weeks, I cannot for the life of me, actually sit down and complete it without being drawn to all things non-grocery. It's beginning to make me insane. I don't know whether I'm subconsciously avoiding something (perhaps something terribly haunting at the Commissary?) or if I just am not making enough effort to control my attention. I've even had issues engaging in conversation lately, not being able to listen thoroughly or even straying from my own thoughts when I'm speaking.
Who knows. I guess I'm just going through a "...look there's a squirrel"-phase. Eeek. It better end soon.
Any tips for better focus or concentration?

The best of intentions

Just finished up a walk with the furbabies, and during said excursion, after being forced to become a participant in a dog sled across frozen streets, I have come to the conclusion that I really need to get back on the strength-training regimen. I have spent the past two years doing nothing but immense amounts of cardio (running, swimming, spinning) and next to no strength work. Well, lo and behold, I can't even control my 60-lb Calymonster. I could run miles and miles with her, but if she decides to change direction, you best believe that I'm going with her whether I like it or not. Thus, to the gym I will go to work on some of those other muscles that I have neglected during my never-ending love affair with all things cardio.

As women, I think there is a certain challenge in figuring out a balance of exercises. Like I said, I am a cardio junkie (thank God, otherwise I'd be the size of a house!). But, my other muscles have bore the burden of my lack of proportion (somewhat literally). Honestly, I feel that I cannot do without cardio, because if I spent the amount of time that I do running on something like weight-lifting, I'd look like Arnold in no time. Not exactly the look I was going for. The way I see it, cardio keeps us svelte, but can also wither our bodies away to skeletons. Weight-lifting and strength work gives us the tone and definition that we all strive for, but also packs on the bulk if not done correctly. So what is the happy medium? To all you ladies (and gentlemen) out there, how do you incorporate all aspects of fitness into your exercise routines?

Getting it together

This time, last year, my world was upside-down. I was 3-weeks married to my GI Joe, and there he was, boarding a plane to earthquake land. I was in new place, with not a single familiar face. I had a brand-new job, and brand-new home, and a brand-new beginning all to myself.

Today, a year and 3 weeks into my marriage, I'm again upside-down. I now have my GI Joe here with me, and after nearly the entire year apart, we have had a whole lot of adjusting to do. We had both continued to grow, and fortunately, even despite the distance, had grown even closer together. We've have our fair share of obstacles, but all-in-all, we've come so far and have conquered all of the challenges that life has thrown our way.

Before Romeo and I were married, I did my best to prepare myself for the lifestyle that I was joining. I braced myself for deployments and PCS moves, for late shifts and random weekend formations. I did what I could to jump right into the perspective of a MilSpouse. Knowing now what events and struggles this past year has brought with it, I wasn't prepared at all. I wasn't ready for the emotions of being alone, and away from my familiar life. I wasn't ready for the growing and learning that I had ahead of me. I certainly wasn't prepared for reintegration and all that goes with it. But we did it. And now, a year later, I'm facing my newest learning experience.

A month ago, the week before Christmas, I was laid off. It was COMPLETELY unexpected, and a much bigger blow to our family than I could have anticipated. Fortunately, it worked out well that we were able to go home to our families in the North for a lot longer than we were originally planning. That served as great distraction from the feelings that I was fighting inside, but unfortunately just compressed the emotions when we returned. Needless to say, I've been doing my best to stay positive, but I've been having a few more bad-days than usual.

Last night, I got a chance to really talk about how I've been feeling. I was finally able to verbalize my whole range of emotions, and determine that the best that I can do right now, is to do what I can to make myself happy. So, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to get myself to where I need/want to be, not only for myself, but for Romeo and our marriage. I'm learning to keep myself busy and occupied, to find things and activities that I enjoy, and to invest time in myself. I'm working on my faith in myself, in my life, and in my God.

I'm getting it together, slowly but surely. I'm getting my confidence back, and I'm working on seeing our circumstances from a new perspective. To all of those who have been supportive and been there for me throughout this time, thank you. I love you all for your patience and understanding, for your never-ending love and care.

'Tis the Season...

For Thanksgiving and Celebration.

Unfortunately, there are many men and women who will not be able to spend the Holidays with their loved ones this year. One of the many causes available to reach out to Soldiers and their families this Holiday Season, is the Recovering American Soldier Project.

This year, when sending out your Holiday cards, please take a single moment to address one to:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
NW Washington, DC20307-5001

It will only take a spare second of your time, and in that second, you could bring light to even the most dim of circumstances during this Holiday Season.

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks."