The life of a Golf Widow

Spring Break

2009-04-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a looooong time since I have posted. Every time I talk to my mom, dad, father in law, anyone of the sort, I am told that I haven't posted in a while. As if I didn't know that, hello I am the one writing these things. So, in the hopes of getting off their bad list, here it goes. I had a scheduled spring cleaning scheduled for last weekend. I scrubbed down all the base boards and doors in the house. Cleaned all the blinds and windows. Whew, that was a total chore! In the midst of all this I had this wild urge to paint the kitchen. Now I have been wanting to do this for a long time and rather than just clean the walls why not paint the whole damn thing! Oh my what a chore. As many of you know Cris is color blind and I would rather not argue for the sake of keeping our marriage alive! Saturday night we went to buy the goods and I taped. We woke up early and I got to painting and I sent him to golf. Better he be out of the way then trying to tell me what to do! :) I was done by the time he got home. This was a long week at work, so putting everything back together had to wait until this weekend.

So...Needless to say the house was a wreck (rather the kitchen), the boys beds weren't made and the kitchen cabinets were pretty slim on the food scale. Cris decided to make a snide comment about the above mentioned which led to a rather nast e-mail from myself. Hey I am an Ayon and it got the best of me, what can I say....I proceed to ream him about how I didn't realize that signing the marriage 'contract' meant that it was my sole responsiblity to do the above mentioned. It's funny now, but I was pretty heated. We got over it, so much for saving the fights for something good, eh? LOL.

The boys got in late on Thursday and Cris and I worked on Friday. Don't worry the boys didn't miss us, they slept til noon and played xbox until long after we arrived home. Today Cris had a golf tournament so it was just me and the boys! They pulled weeds outside/played the ever dreadful xbox yet again and I finished off the kitchen. I was quite bummed to realize that after I washed the curtains, one is dingy! I didn't realize white could do that, but it did...It's done and looks alright, but coming from a perfectionist, it definitely could be better.

I made an awesome dinner! I used my $150 worth of Pamperd Chef! That is what I spent on it a couple weeks ago. i know, I know, I shouldn't have, but I did...Too late now. I love what I bought. The chicken and penne past was just fabulous. AND the Chocolate Velvet cake with strawberry jam was a taste of heaven. Simply amazing. Or as the boys like to call all of my sweet creations, gourmet!

Tomorrow we are off to the outlet malls to buy some cleats! Yay! In other news, my cousin is moving to Balitmore and hopefully NC shortly after. So not only will we have our lovely friends to visit, we also have more family. NOW, if we could ever get around to actually getting there.

I must post more often to avoid extremely lenghty blogs to which may bore my poor readers aka family. Good night, sweet dreams, and as my mom and dad used to tell me, don't let the bed bugs bite. Now that I think of it, that's kind of....ummm....odd....but then again they are MY family, so that explains it.

Edited to change font size for all you bifocal wearing folks! LOL

Test is done...now the wait begins

2009-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well, Cris and I both tested for promotion. Now the wait begins. We won't find out until June so until then, prayers are requested! We both feel better than last year, but we shall see. Our life revolved around studying for a while now I don't know what to do with myself. So I have taken plenty of naps! Which I also did in between study sessions as well. The count down is almost on until we go to NM in May. I can't wait and as always there's always a menu on my request! I miss Lota Burger so that is usually first on the list upon exiting the aircraft. Then momma and nana's cooking. So here's to the weight gain right before bikini season. Which I might add that I hate bikini's and always have. Sure I wear them when I am in somewhat bikini status (which is NOT this year by any means) but I loathe them.

I need new clothes, but hate shopping for clothes, so if any of you wish to come with me. Ask my mother, it is no easy task. I just found out there is a Hollister Outlet mall within 5 hours of my house...No, I don't wear Hollister, my beautiful niece does. Maybe I will do some shopping for her in the near future. DC/MD here I come! Other than that, I don't have lots to post so I better get to cleaning. Cris took the boys and not feeling in the mood to be in the car for 5 hours today after spending 9 in the car on Friday, I begged to stay home and 'clean'. Well we are 4.5 hours in and cleaning has yet to be done.

Not a typical Saturday

2009-03-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

I really wish my Saturday's were more adventurous. They usually consist of us sleeping in, getting up, doing chores or something of the sort, and maybe a trip to the store here and there. I really want to be the person who is ready to go by 8 or 9 and the day goes on. I feel so much more productive when I do that, but we usually have such a long week at work that we just want to veg on the weekends. I am quite comfortable lounging on the couch in my PJs all day, suits me just fine. After all we are childless and have the free reign to do as such. Even when the boys are here, we do the same b/c they sleep in way late. I usually have to wake them up as the clock creeps toward noon.

So my new mission is to make my weekends a lot more useful. I forgot to mention that Cris is usually golfing so the rest is up to me, minus the laundry. That's his job and don't let him tell you otherwise. I am embarrassed to admit that we have only been to the beach enough times to count on both hands and the majority was just me with friends while he was deployed. We have NEVER taken the boys, but that is about to change. Folks, we have lived here 4 years, there is absolutely no excuse for this. We are truly in a prime spot, we are 1 hour 15 min from Raleigh/Durham the same distance from the beach and 30 mins from some outlet malls. We can't ask for anything more. Since it was told that we won't be moving to NM anytime soon, we will make the best of our adventures in North Carolina for whatever time remains. We have been to Busch Gardens which was nothing to write home about, but we may partake in that adventure again. Mind you all these things cost money and my frugal butt hates spending unnecessarily. None the less, we will still do this.

We have out trip to NM coming up. I talked to my mom earlier who happens to be at my aunts whom I refer to as Honey. I haven't seen her in 4 and a half years. She better mosey on up to Albuquerque so she can meet her nieces husband for the first time or else....We would also like to make a trip there with the boys, but not sure that will happen. We want to head up to the NW to visit Cris' family in Oregon. Man that is a beautiful place, I recommend a visit for anyone who has never been or even who has. I love his family and enjoy the short visits we have had up there.

In other news, Lyla is Lyla, bad as ever. She is the most spoiled dog e.v.e.r. But Cris and I made her that way. I test on Tuesday and Cris tests on Monday. Wish us luck. We have both been off for two weeks studying and I feel alright about it. There's going to be a lot of disappointment if we don't make it though. But we will, so no worries! :) Did I mention that Cris took multiple breaks to golf b/c 'he needed to relieve stress, babe'. Of course, I am just like whatever. Any excuse the man can make to play golf I swear! Alright all, I must be off for tonight, I have much more reading to do and the crammer I am...waiting until the very last minute to get it all done.

Eating

2009-02-27T03:24:00.001-08:00

Did I forget to add that I think I gained at least 18 pounds these pat 3 days? I definitly could not stay home all day and eat out of boredom! I mean I suppose if I had kids to keep me busy. Ciao for now as I must get to work. Peace, love, and happiness.

Update much?

2009-02-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Whew, I am thinking this blog is in desperate need of an update. Must be feeling a little neglected! It's mostly for my family that I don't get to talk to much...So here goes:

Not a lot going on in our household. I have been home studying (or rather, trying to study) for most of the week. Studying for promotion for you civilians out there. For my Army friends that are reading, you read that right, Air Force actually has to have brains to get promoted. ;) Love to the Army folks! Most of the time I have been B.O.R.E.D. with a few phone calls here and there to break up the cross-eyedness....

Lets see...Cris played Pinehurst #2 the other day and did fairly well considering it was freezing and windy. He shot an 82, the pro shot an 81...Not too bad, he couldn't feel his fingertips when he got home. He is still on the golf wagon. People always ask me how I deal with him being golfing all the time. Here it is people, I need my space and he needs his. We could totally be codependent and not let each other breathe, we chose the option that works best for us. If you don't agree, oh well. He has never stopped me from doing something I enjoy and the same for me. We do however respect each other and make sure we notify each other if other plans have been made. Ever heard of the word respect? Yeah that's what I like to call it.

The boys will get here this weekend, we get them every other weekend. It will be them and dad most this weekend as I have Bunco with my Bunc-hos and lunch with them on Sunday at Red Lobster. Cris hates Red Lobster and I love it so it works out. We are going to do a mock photo shoot with them this weekend b/c we haven't had pictures of them taken lately. They have grown so much. We plan on going up to VA to spend the weekend with them and hope to get together with some great friends of Cris' (ours now!) Fred and Elaine. We really need to do it and quit talking about, but the time gets away from us.

In other news, my step-mother in law lost her mother to a battle with cancer. Please keep the family in your prayers as they struggle through this difficult time. This April will have been 3 years since we lost my grandma. Please also pray for my family b/c as well all know it is still difficult even after years to cope with a loss.

Oh, oh, oh, I almost forgot I will be taking a short trip to NM in April for Easter and then again in May for Mother's Day weekend. As much as I wish I could say that yes I am going for Mother's Day, I am going for my niece's CONFIRMATION. May God bless my brother and sis in law- she is gorgeous (and acts just like me!). What? That's a good thing! :)

EDITED TO ADD: Confirmation NOT Graduation! I am such a dork!

Much love to all,
Valarie

I also almost forgot...No I have not received any money for the dog we lost. The b*tch has changed every number I had. It's okay though, I am not stupid, I wrote down the address! So she will be receiving a certified letter claiming I will be taking her to small claims court if she fails to give me money. Afterall initially I was only asking for the cost of the dog, now I also want the vet fees.

Just another random update

2009-02-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

In my last post I wrote how we lost our new little puppy Godiva. Well the b*tch we bought her from promised we would have our money this week. Yeah, still nothing. I will be calling her and sending an official certified letter stating that if I don't receive anything that I WILL be taking her to small claims court. People, this is not a little bit of money. I was only making her pay what I paid for the puppy and NOT the vet bill. I WAS being nice, not any longer. That said, if I don't have a check in hand on Monday, off to the courts I go.

Yesterday we (Cris, the boys, and myself) piddled around the house doing odds and ends. So, ummmm, I am in the kitchen cleaning something in the sink and all of a sudden there's a big foot hanging through my ceiling. My first reaction was 'Holy shit' and then I hear 'sorry val'. Oh dear, Cris and my oldest step son were doing work in the attic and he slipped and his foot went through the ceiling. He felt so bad, but it was just an accident. An expensive one at that. I swear I can't afford any more unexpected expenses. You might (or not) be wondering where my youngest step son was. Yeah he decided he was all too lazy to do anything productive and proceeded to take a nap. That is until I woke him and had him paint a molding for the kitchen, which he did a horrible job at and I made him fix it. He didn't want to do it was his excuse for poor work. Well, we fixed that. He had Cris so mad all day. He thinks that when they are here all they should be doing is playing Xbox, well I hate to break it to ya but...

I decided to play the lottery last night. Actually it was a mutual decision to play between Cris and I. So on our way to celebrate our (Cris, Josh, and my) birthdays, we stopped to get the tickets. We won a meesly 4 bucks. But hey maybe that's the start of our luck. We have a superbowl party, or rather a few, to show up to this afternoon. I have fifty bucks on the Cardinal. One of those 'unexpected' expenses. Damn my family for showing me how to gamble at such a young age.

Well I suppose I should get downstairs and finish up my wifely duties before the husband gets home from taking the boys to their mother.

I never would have thought...

2009-01-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

...that having a sweet little puppy in my care for FIVE days could lay such heavy footprints in my heart. I weep as I type that this morning I had to put our precious new dark chocolate toy poodle to sleep. She was the sweetest most loving thing and in FIVE short days she made an impact in both Cris and my life. I have cried throughout the day and have wept all night.

It all started on Wednesday when we purchased Godiva from a breeder. When were got there Lyla would have nothing to do with the lady or her dogs. Godiva had a wierd breathing pattern but I didn't think much past telling Cris that. We brought her home and she continued to shy away and needed to be next to one of us at all times. I didn't want to keep her on the soft food so I cautiously moved her to the hard food which she surprisingly took on. Not lots, but more than Lyla had when we first got her. Well on Sunday morning (0200ish) she woke me up b/c she was making wierd noises. I stayed up with her most of the night and was able to get her to the vet on Monday. She was given a blood transfusion amongst many other treatments, but she had parasites that had taken over her body. By today she was pretty much gone. I held her in my arms and again I wept. Her once big brown eyes were now blue, and she was gasping for every breath. I said my goodbyes, but I am surely not at peace with it. Goodnight my sweet angel.

I yearn for a baby but I get so scared at the thought of anything happen to my future child. I don't have the strength to deal with my puppies being sick much less my child. I have been told that becoming a mother changes all that. I hope so. With a heavy heart, I say goodnight.

The weekend is over

2009-01-04T18:02:00.001-08:00

Back to work we go. We dropped the boys back off with their mom on Saturday. So we stayed as far away from the house until we couldn't find anything to do any longer. We usually get that way after having them for an extended period of time. Not to mention that we have had people in our house since the 18th of Dec! So it was pretty quiet when we got home.

Cris and I went golfing today, we had a good time. I hit some pretty good shots. My longest drive was 149 yeards. Not too bad for a rookie. We came home and took a nap. Sometimes I feel like we act like a bunch of old people! We would much rather hang with each other than anyone else. The partying stage has been long over. We got asked by a couple of different sets of friends to go out on New Years but chose to stay home and be tucked in early! Nothing wrong with that right? We played games with the kids until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more.

I don't have anything fun to write about tonight so I better get a few things done around the house and prepare for my run on the treadmill. It has been a wonderful dust collector since the day after thanksgiving I might add! Good night.

Welcoming a Blessed 2009

2009-01-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a Blessed and Happy New Year! Of course with every new year comes some sort of resolution. In a text conversation with my brother the other day, I told him how big my thighs have gotten (I will spare you the details) he responded with pretty much 'holy cow, have you seen a doctor for that?'. You see, the problem is, I don't gain weight in numbers but in inches. The scale doesn't get higher but my ass gets bigger! No lie. So I told him no, there's no health issues and chalked it up to 'Fat Ass Sundrome'. I told dad I would blame his side of the family for it...He didn't find it very funny!! Along with that here's my list of resolutions, mind you, a couple of the same ones identified with an asterick(*) have taken place in multiple of my resolutions and some have stuck through for the whole year but something always made it come back- by gosh if I will take the blame for it! ;)

1) Overall be a better person (I know what you're thinking dad!)
2) Exercise- I would love to complete that half marathon I have been trying to do for two years. Last year I hurt my leg (compartment syndrome) and it didn't work out to well.
3) Limit Caffeine- I did this two years in a row, one year my grandma passed and I got stressed out and gave in, last year I deployed and just gave up on it, more to come on this year.
4) Eat Healthy
5) Make an effort to take care of myself spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally
6) Save some cash! Barbados here we come!
7) Continue to try to organize my life
8) Study for promotion (you see how good I am doing, by blogging!)
9) Walt 12,000-14,000 steps a day
10) Celebrate life, it is the most precious of all!

Hopefully I can last at least 6 months. I bought a treadmill on Black Friday, so now I officially have no excuses. My birthday is on Tuesday and I will be 3 years from 30!!! OMG I am getting old quick, time flies when you're having fun! Add 10 years to me and that is Cris' age at the end of the month! We hope 2009 will bring us a baby, if not a baby at least start us out! :) My brother will get his wish! I suppose I will cut this short. Again, I wish all of you a Very Blessed and Happy 2009, with many more to come.

Back to work I go.....

2008-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Whew! So what a great ten days has passed! I absolutely had the best time while my mom, nana, and Martin were in town. My step brother and step sister were also here for the last 3 days. We didn't do a whole lot of anything, it was pretty warm the whole time they were here except for the one day that we had pictures taken, then it was around 32 degrees! We will see if we all look like Rudolph! Let's see if I can recap what all happened.....Here's the main things:

Warning: May not be to scale

18 Dec- We show up to the Airport with two huge bouquets of balloons tp pick them up from airport and took them to eat at a Japanese Grill. Seeing the look on my Nana's face was like a kid there for the first time! Not to mention my mom and nana were a little tipsy from their lay over!

19 Dec- I had to work. While I was at work the lovely ladies slaved all day in the kitchen (as Cris would say "where they belong") making tamales, biscochitos, and chocolate chip cookies.

20-21 Dec- A mix of baking relaxing, watching Hallmark, and 'Falalalalalalalala Lifetime!' with a sprinkle of small shopping scattered in.

22 Dec- We had pictures in Raleigh and had dinner with our drinks at Outback Steakhouse while an overly giddy server was at our beck and call.

23-24 Dec- See repeat of the weekend (20-21)- on X-mas eve, we opened on itty bitty stocking stuffer.

25 Dec- Again the women were where they belong (yeah right, Cris can believe that shit if he wants!) making a large dinner mixed with the lovely NM tradition of Red chili as gravy, tamales, posole and menudo (might I add that the menudo was cooked in the garage and was te worst smell ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) While we were slaving away in the kitchen, Martin and Cris went to pick up Renee and Angelo in SC where they had met half way from Georgia. We opened presents that night. We all were overly joyed with the wonderful gifts we received. I got the purse I wanted and Cris got an air compressor and watch, mom got a mother/daughter bracelet set as well as a new purse and lots of smell good stuff, Nana got a calendar that made her ball her little eyes out- will explain later, Martin got lots of Cowboy stuff, Angelo got a nice bottle of patron and Renee got lots of goodies and a gift certificate.

26 Dec- Boys went golfing and we just relaxed and had lunch with nana. Boy was it nice to spend time with these two ladies that have molded my life.

27 Dec- Cris picked up the boys and we had Christmas again! I love watching their faces as they open their presents. My brothers family got Jon Dominoes and Josh Skip Bo, they got rubics cubes from Martin, iPods from Santa, and tons of stocking stuffers that I usually get through the year. Wouldn't you know it that the iPods got thrown aside for nothing more than the rubix cubes and skip bo? Boys will be boys I guess. One is still playing with the cube as I type and the other has taken his apart in hopes of putting it back together by cheating.

28 Dec- We woke at 0500 to head to the airport to drop off Renee and Angelo first. Then we went for breakfast.

Did I mention that there were a few Corona and Limes mixed in through the week? As well as a few cocktails...shhh....don't tell my dad! (just kidding Pop, I know you will read this!)

Do any of you ever people watch? OMG do I! I love it but not nearly as much as my mother, she STARES! It's so funny though...So we went to Wal Mart one day and there was a lady that had much of her nipple showing and as I sat in line, I prayed that my mom didn't see it b/c she might say something. Phew, she didn't! Only Nana and I. Mom asked why we didn't tell her anything- My response 'hey she had a friend with her and if she didn't care enough, why should I'. I usually do tell people if they are alone to say them the embarrassment later. Then today while we were waiting we saw a guy and his son lock the keys in the car as they dropped off the daughter at the curb, two men kissing (traumatized nana and Cris), and a little boy carry a doll. Now that bothered me....It was just odd.

All in all, the craziness of all of our antics and smartassess, and language mess ups in one house was a blast! Can't wait to be closer to home. When we got home I read a book from front to back all today. I was depressed and I am not going to sugar coat it, I miss my mommy!!!! Thanks mom, martin, and nana for a great time. I love you all lots! Here's a few picture for your viewing enjoyment. More to come----

Funny Stuff

2008-12-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

OMG, so we have been having a great time with the family here. Unfortunately Cris has been working but trying to get off early. He will have off all next week while the boys are here so it's no problem. We have been baking, drinking, baking & drinking, eating, more eating, and so much more. I wanted to take three generation pictures with my mom and nana so we did that yesterday. So I wrote the other day about the funny thing my nana said. You know everything she says is in Spanglish, so it's taking Cris a bit of time to get used to it all. He is catching on quick I might add. He knows all the bad words, thanks to my family and is slowly learning some good words.

We sat at the kitchen table and played a few games this afternoon. We played Catch Phrase and Scattergories. My nana can't say all words correctly- Just a few:
ships=chips
chef=chief
lek=leak
ches=cheese
These are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head. Let's just say it keeps us laughing all day long. So today as we were trying to get nana in the game, she says 'oh dear I have to get all of these cowwebs out of my head'...I said 'nana, don't you mean cobwebs?'...she just said that I knew what she meant. For those of you that are familiar with catch phrase, there's several different catergories (places, entertainment, sports, etc). Well when it got to her, the buzzer stopped and the main screen defaulted back to the catergory which was entertainment. She proceeds to describe entertainment. It was funny and she never caught on that she did it and of course we let her believe that too.

We played scattergories for a while but she wasn't liking it and putting things with R's when we were looking for N's and it continued so we ended up playing catch phrase again. This time her prompt was Kansas City Chiefs. So apparently there was this song back in the day that my mom and her dad used to dance to so my nana started singing that song to get our memories going. It was the funniest thing. So she explained it as 'chefs' so of course we all go on the subject of food, but she really meant chiefs. hahaha. Then the next go around she happens to get entertainment again, well she described it again and we all got it. She says 'that was my second time with that one'. Again, we let her believe that!

What an evening. Hopefully you all get a good laugh. It's pretty funny stuff. I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a couple of days since I updated. I don't have a lot other than it has been extremely busy in the Risley household. We picked up mom, step dad, and nana on Thursday. We went out to eat and came home to veg out. Cris and I went to work on Friday, Saturday we went shopping. Nana got pretty tired fairly quick. Santa picked up Cris' last present. He better be good or he isn't getting it! :)
I received a box of red chili in the mail yesterday and have no idea from who. To the mysterious sender---Thanks!! There wasn' a note or anything! So in conversation with the family and arguing over breakfast, and playful joking, my nana blurts out that she has "minority".....I think for a second and reply "yeah, well you are the oldest but I think you meant 'seniority'....she replied with 'whatever, you know what I meant!'. So we continue to tease her. She is so funny when she mixes up her words. We take pictures tomorrow in Raleigh. Hopefully I can get some up soon. Until next time....

Have you ever...

2008-12-15T17:49:00.001-08:00

...Just had one of those days that starts off shitty? Yeah that was me this morning! Let's see if I can recap it for you. I roll out of bed about 5 minutes later than usual. Not too bad right? I didn't think so either. So then I proceed to let Lyla (the dog) out and jump in the shower. I get out, go to brush my teeth. I put the tooth brush to my teethers and start brushing with none other than freaking Mary Kay FACE WASH! OMG, I must have still been partially asleep or something. I continue to get ready (already not a good start to the morning), blow dry and straighten my hair, put my blues pants on and my tank top that goes under my blues shirt, my shoes, my sweater. Did I mention that I FORGOT to put on the Blues shirt? Yeah, well I did. I come in to give hubby a goodbye kiss and he is like 'Ugh, just where are you going without a shirt on?' So I was like 'oh shit!' got my shirt on and headed out the door. I barely remember getting to work, but I get there and it was just a horrible day all the way around. My coworker wasn't in b/c she was on a comp day so it was super busy. The day took forever to end. Well it finally did and I finally got home, cooked supper and finished up the living room.

We are still trying to get the last things in order before mom and them come. I better finish up. Break is over! Peace, Love, and Happiness to all!

2008-12-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at my Christmas Party last night. Last night we had our Christmas party. It was a blast to say the least! Of course, we closed the place down as we do every year. I had some super tall hooker shoes on, hey I can do it once a year right? At the beginning of the night, I put my panty hose on and I thought for sure that my right leg would have to be amputated by the end of the night. Whew, thank goodness it wasn't! That right leg loosened up after a while. Sheesh! My husband looked totally handsome! We are 'bout done with the upstairs and I am 'bout to put the tree up now. I know late right? Hey I have been super busy! Not to mention I had Bunco this afternoon. Priorities people! Don't you know? The countdown is 4 days! Mom and them will be here in 4 freaking days! Can you believe it? I can't wait! That's all for tonight folks, things to do! Here's a couple of pictures for your viewing enjoyment.

Ramblings...About nothing in particular

2008-12-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

Ramblings huh? Let's see, what should I ramble about today? Had a nice lenghty conversation with my dad. These were few and far between and come all too often nowadays. Can't complain, I enjoy having a relationship with my dad and pray that it continues. My mom and I talk endlessly throughout every day, who could ask for more? ME, ME! I could totally be home in NM and have lunch with her from time to time and all that good mother/daughter stuff I so yearn for. When I called my dad this afternoon I said "guess who's pregnant?" I admit probably not the right thing to do, knowing that him and my brother want me to have a baby so bad. Well I sadly had to disappoint him and let him know it was my cousin. He was just as happy for her as I am. He wasn't too disappointed, I told him keep wishing and his dream WILL come true some day but that I seriously would come up with a more creative way than that. Geez, give me more credit than that. I miss my brother too. I called him tonight, but he is always so busy. He had company but will call me later. Another reason I would love to go home. My brother will work down the road from me? Can you say Awesome! Just a small family and I feel such a strong bond and am ever so thankful. Speaking of which, I have a long list of things to be thankful for in the year 2008 (can you believe it is almost over?--- I can't!). That's a whole other post though.

Thursday I have a girls day out. Going to get a massage and pedicure. Maybe do some shopping. I am excited! I need a getaway every now and again. Cris had his boys weekend before he had surgery on his knee and they did this whole golf weekend thingy. So I will be the "good" wife and settle for a day. Another reason I am glad is Thursday will have been 4 years since my best friend went to be with the lord. Most of you know, my 77 year old aunt. She was awesome! That woman was everything to me and I never realize how hard it is on me until times like this. I know I should talk about it, but I would rather just pretend it's not there. Isn't that what I am supposed to do? No, and I know that but it's easier. She is my guardian angel and trust me I have plenty of reasons to believe this. I was making fun of my mom last night that she is getting old...we were joking, don't get all upset and stuff. I told her how I miss my aunties cards she would send me in germany and all they would say was "I miss you Val, Love you' with a address label as her signature. I loved it. Or the fact that I still sleep with her blanket every night. Okay, I better stop I can barely see what I am typing.

On to a happier note, mom and nana and Martin will be here on mom's birthday...it's about 9 more days...Yeehaw! I am SUPER DUPER excited. Much love to all and to all a good night! (hahaha)

2008-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Oh, so I forgot to add that a lovely GF of mine thought it might be good to egg another coworker on that I should be in this dance routine they have going on for the Christmas Party. Well, I guess I will do that too----DRUNK as I plan on becoming extremely inebriated at the party. Hey if my 70 year old grandmother can hang, I better show up the family tradition! I must now be on the search to get some trendy outfit and wig....since I have the short do now....For reals good nite....

2008-12-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Whew! The painting is done. It doesn't look like we will need a second coat. The HVAC guy will be here on Thursday and the carpet dude on Friday. Thank goodness. I have a ladies day out on Thursday. And well deserved might I add. My legs are bruised up from the ladder (my shins). Not to mention, my right arm is bruised and in pain from my coworker and I trying to be brave chics and move furniture around and yes I feel almost off the desk and caught myself on my arm. Good thing I worked out in Afghanistan and still have some muscle to cushion the fall. Hahaha.

Tonight I helped Jon (my youngest step son) complete his science fair project. This morning he walks upstairs and tells me he needs a poster board thingie for his project. After we were done painting I came down stairs to talk about this and he said no I am not doing all that, I don't want it fancy. So we had the talk about how presentation is also a must and he argued that he's not going to get extra credit anyways. Blah, blah, blah, all this from a 12 year old boy who cares nothing more that his new 'girlfriend'. Well, I told him is not settling for the minimum and he will give extra. I drew him out some music notes and bought him extra construction paper so he wasn't pasting white on white. He comes in late and says 'thanks, it looks a lot better than what I wanted to do'. Glad I won that battle. Geeze! Now it's off to fighting with the other one to do his damn reading homework. I have never met anyone who hates to read so much. Granted he does have difficulty with it, but he despises it! I love it, so I just don't understand.

Since this is the last weekend we will have them before Christmas, I had them work for their allowance to get their mother a present. We don't give money out around here, especially to buy the ex a present. Come on now! Well you know they didn't work hard, come on, washing dishes does not cost 20 dollars from what the 4 of us make. So they each had around that much to spend (they had some money) and Jon decides that his mom isn't worth 15 bucks, so to our arguing over this in the store, he spends a whole 5 bucks on a measly little gift for his mother. Hey, it's his mom not mine. But it was horrible! I suppose it's the thought that counts right?

Yay, my mom and nana and step dad will be here on the 18th. I am super excited and have a whole menu planned out for while they are here. My mom refuses to make my step dad some cabbage rolls b/c they stink...Now how does she know when she has never made them? Don't worry Martin, I got your back...I will also let you have Kimchi in my house unlike mom. Speaking of which, leads me to the few items of OCD that I have (those I can think of anyways)
- All pants hung in closest must be on black hangar, legs to right, crotch to rear
- I like to have a plan for everything (hence the menu)
- All my shirts need to be in color order, long sleeve with the like and short with the like
- I can't study if my house is a wreck so therefore I haven't studied in weeks- no time to clean I don't like living with a mess. It's not horrible, but not to my standards (my dad once said that he can't move a book without me freaking out-Lies!)
- I hate pictures being crooked, there's this one in my house....let me not go there it's pissing me off thinking about it
- I hate when the boys think they can walk out of the bathroom and not wash their hands...
- The blinds in the house must close facing up...not down dammit.
- The toilet paper roll should come from top and not bottom

Why don't people know this? These are only a few. That being said, my car is a wreck (Hey, I have been living out of it for 16 weeks of school/work), and I can never keep my desk organized. Sweet dreams everyone and as my mom always said "don't let the bed bugs bite"....What the hell? That doesn't seem like a very loving nite, nite wish now that I think about it....Hmmmm...

2008-12-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOODNESS! If I never touch a paint roller or paint brush again, I will be forever happy. This finishing the bonus room crap is for the birds. Cris and I took leave yesterday and today in hopes of getting lots done. Yesterday we accomplished having the electrician come out and do some things....and of course I got my hair done! ;) Priorities people, priorities! It's super short again, but I like it. I will go into that story shortly.

So this morning I am upstairs busting my a$$ trying to get the molding sanded and all that good stuff while my 'extremely tired' husband sat down to eat, then took a small nap...right after waking up for the morning. After working up some internal frustration, I came downstairs to ask him if he took leave to sleep or to get shit done. He was like 'I am awake babe'...well a while (long while) later, he is upstairs and helping. Amongst all the tension with me being frustrated with him and him trying to help, we managed to have some conversation. Nothing all that interesting I might add. I finished the ceiling and taped everything to get it all prepped for the morning...Yuck, I really wish we had hired someone, but no we had to do it on our own. Whatever.

Yesterday when I got done with my hair, I picked up Cris to go to Lowes. Upon getting in the car he says 'hi sir'. Remember above, I told you I cut my hair? Yeah well apparently I look like a man now. I said 'hey, this 'sir' gives you what you need so don't forget that'. He immediately went into how he was just kidding and how my hair looked great and is that the stacked look you are always talking about and all this other stuff. He was totally trying to make up for his wrong doing.

Well, I am sitting here relaxing and working up the energy to take a shower and get to bed. Cris is gone getting the boys. So I am waiting on them. I had a long conversation with my Nana and Tata. They are too funny. Saturday was my Nana's 70th birthday and apparently she got a bit tipsy in celebration and had a bit of the 'cocktail virus' the next day. I told that she should have partied. Hell yeah and cheers to a cool ass nana. How many people can say that their grandparents are truly the coolest ever? My tata gets on the phone and just says 'whatever'. Everytime we talk I say that so now he just says it for the hell of it. I love them sooooo much and don't know what I would do with out them. I love all my family, but I have a special and different bond with every single one of them. Of course, they all seem to love Cris more now! What's that about. Well it's officially one month until my 27th birthday. WTF! I can't believe it. It's also about 12 days until mommy, nana and martin come out for Christmas. I am super excited.

I suppose I should take a shower and get to bed. Good nite...

Nothing Much...

2008-11-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

...so there's not a lot going on in our house. Well other than I need to finish painting but really don't have the energy. Oh and the homework I wrote about last night, yeah, it has yet to be completed. Imagine that? I will get it done before Tuesday b/c that is when it is due. I can't really seem to get into the Christmas Spirit, but I am trying my damndest (sp). How do you force it on yourself when it just doesn't seem right? Well it's beyond me, so if you can think of something let me know.

I am still trying to figure out this blogging world, I have a lot to learn. How to change my setup into one of the cool, funkyfied layouts with pictures and all that good stuff. I suppose someday I will have the time to sit and play with this, but until then you guys will just have to deal with the poop green layout.

I feel pretty blah today, cooked the husband some leftovers and that's about it. Have a great night everyone. Until next time..............

2008-11-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

Let's see??? When was my last post? It's been a few days I know that. Here we go....What's been going on in the Risley household? LOTS! So I have homework, but why do it now when I can wait until Sunday night at ten to write this wonderful 6 page paper and 2 take home tests for Anatomy and Physiology. There's nothing like waiting until the last minute. We have been finishing the upstairs "bonus room" as they call them here in the "south"...It's really not the south in NC, but don't tell that to a local. Okay, where was I? Oh we are finishing it up and I seem to be the only one painting...Holy Hell is my neck soar....So Cris went to pick up the boys from their mother in VA on Wednesday night and by the time he gets home I have have the room primed...You know I am not one to need reassurance, but he didn't say a damn thing! Not "hey babe it looks good" or "dang, you got through a lot" or "what time did you start"...Nothing, nada, zilch! Oh well, so I open my big ass mouth and of course his answer was "well I was going to say it but you didn't let me get there yet"....Men, can't live with them, can't live without them.

Thanksgiving was GREAT! I slaved all day. We talked to Cris' aunt and I am upstairs priming again, even after cooking a huge dinner for the four of us. He has the nerve to say how exhausted he is from cooking the turkey. He warmed the oil (well the burner did), and watched it to make sure no fires started. Geez, I can see how exhausting that can be. So I continue to prime and finish the whole thing. In the midst I come down to see if he can help me do the ceiling. For those of you that don't know, I am only Five Freaking Feet tall! It's was killer, he said "I'll be there in a minute", likely, the minute never came. I finished it alone. He claims he will help with the "real" paint, I can't wait. Mind you he has been working hard in the garage but still, can a woman get some help here?

Thanksgiving night at 10 I hopped in the shower and got all dressed up...some of you might think I was going to the club, NOPE, I was going shopping! YES, the outlet malls open up at midnight, so I went to pick up my girlfriend and we proceed to shop until 1pm the next day. I got some awesome things, treadmill (for me), gifts for the kids (can't post), and plenty more other things for a mix of myself and actual gifts. When I was leaving my 12 year old step son asked if he can go to the club with me? WHAT? Where do these kids get this stuff? When I told him "santa" was going shopping for his x-mas present, he said he would stay back and that they don't believe in santa. I told him I was being fasticious and he asked what 'presticious' meant...Kids....So I am 'Santafied' for the year. I hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving filled with food, family, fun, and all those you love.

2008-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Oh My!!! What a day yesterday was! Whew, glad it is over. You would have felt as though you were at a comedy show with Cris and I laying the insulation. So here we are, I am behind the wall and he is up top trying to push down the insulation and the smart a$$ that I am- giving him crap that he isn't doing it right and is being slow. Playful arguing is what I like to call it! So he says in a mad voice "do you want to get up here and do this"....So I say "yeah, I bet I can do a hell of a better job than you". We switch spots and I proceed to push the insulation down the wall my way! You wouldn't understand what I mean by behind the wall and all the lingo unless you live in North Cackalacky (NC or the east). The houses here are built so much different than the South West. Anyways, back to the insulation- we get through about 8 sections fairly quick. Well that insualtion will take the breath right out of ya, so we take a much needed break. We meet downstairs where the contractors are and I tell Cris "so what do you think about my idea?" He said "It was a good one, it works- we went throught that quick!" I kept saying "so I was right huh?" He wouldn't admit it for the life of him. But the jerk that I am and always needing to be right kept pestering him until he said it! Ahhhh...to hear the words "yes babe you were right!" Need I say more?

Today will be a rest day. Not really, but at least I won't be doing work upstairs. I guess I started this blog at the right time b/c I will give you two guesses and the first one doesn't count as to where Cris is....................................Times up! That's right, he's not pooping, so he's golfing. Imagine that! So I am going shopping for the necessities then back to the chante (house for all you white folks!) and doing homework, putting clothes away- the "wifely duties" as Cris would prefer to call them. He doesn't tell anyone he is the "laundry B*tch", so neither will I! :) I can't do homework with the house a wreck so this morning I was up and at 'em early and cleaning away.

Poor Lyla has been a bit neglected lately, I better get going so I can come cuddle with my fur baby! I love her so much, even though she is soooooooooooo bad! Much love to everyone!

The beginning blog

2008-11-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

So I recently decided to take on the life of blogging. Quick update on the things that have been happening in our household. Cris had surgery on his knee in Sept. Have you ever had a man sick in your house? Yeah, not something I would want on a continuous basis, although something I would deal with if I had to! Men are such babies. Oh especially hearing the whining/bitching of him not being able to golf. This he week, he was cleared to golf. Thank goodness! Now he can shut up about that. I love him to death, but never realized how much a man truly hates pain...Now I know!

We recently started refinishing our bonus room upstairs. I have tons of family coming into town for the holidays and need the extra room. and.........well we were hoping to have orders in hands by now to go to New Mexico. We don't b/c the lovely Air Force decided to deny Cris' time on station waiver. He is 4 months short of being able to PCS and they decided not to let him go a whole 4 months early b/c lord knows they need him that much longer. Assholes. Plus, I am not even sure the bitch that was supposed to put in the waiver even did. She probably fed us a lot of BS about it and that she was working it and all that good stuff to get us to leave her alone. Beside the fact that not doing it gives her less work. She e-mails back and said "well Sgt R. there's more jobs coming open in the summer time"...Yeah whatever. We will try then, if not we are stuck here I suppose.

Needless to say the day (Thursday of this week) I found out, I was mad at the world. Cris could have tried harder, the dumb chic could have done this, that could have been done....blah, blah, blah, I was pissed! I called my brother crying and felt a little better afterwards, but that means I still won't be home in any close time....I had a couple of days to think about this of course and took it as a blessing in disguise. Now most of you should know, I am not the most religous person out there, but I do believe in God and I keep a strong faith in the man above. I took as a blessing that we will be closer to the boys for that much longer. When we put in for this job, I was hesitant b/c the boys just moved close and we get them on a regular basis now and it is wonderful. I am grateful to have married a man with two wonderful kids. I hear all the hellacious step-child stories and am grateful that it's not me! (knock on wood).

Another blessing is Cris got offered the opportunity to try out for the AF Golf Team....We know he wants to be a golf pro and is something he will do, this will just help him get that much closer. How many people really get to do that? Even if he doesn't make it, at least he got to try out. I am a proud golf wife, I must admit but please don't tell him, it will take the fun out of me giving him a hard time! Shhhhh....I really hope he gets it, yeah he will be gone for a while, but it is something he wants to do. He supports me, I support him! Isn't that how a marriage works? I thought so.

Okay enough rambling, we are going to go get some stuff from the store and work on this husband and wife team of insullating the upstairs bonus room.