Olympic Fever

I have been scheduling my days around certain Olympic events. Yesterday I was sure to catch Men's All Around Gymnastics and Women's Swimming. I was so proud of Missy Franklin when she won the 100-Meter Back stroke. She competed less than ten minutes before that, but pulled it together to win gold.

Also, she is adorable. 

My heart broke during the Men's Gymnastics Final. After the score were compiled it ended up with China at Gold, Great Britain at Silver and Ukraine came in at Bronze. However, Japan protested and the scores were reviewed. The protest was upheld and Japan was moved to second place. This meant that Great Britain was bumped to Bronze and Ukraine was fourth. Seeing how excited these guys were was inspiring. Then the devastation after the scores were changed. 

I have a hard time with sports like gymnastics and ice skating because the scores are SO subjective. It ends up with situations like this where teams have medals in their grasp for mere minutes before they are snatched away. 

I have been seeing some adorable ideas for Olympic parties. Here are some of the things I am keeping in mind for future parties. These are all on my Entertaining Board on Pinterest. 

Today I will be watching the women's gymnastics final as well as some more swimming. I hope Michael Phelps can pull it together. 

My Dog Rocks

Yes she is the cutest thing in the whole world 

This weekend was pretty focused on Asha. She finished all her vaccines this week so we have been at the dog park at least twice a day. It gives her a chance to socialize with other dogs, and get loads of exercise. An added benefit is that I have met so many new women from around the neighborhood. It is really nice to recognize more people as I take her for walks, and get to know my neighbors. Making friends as adults can be sometimes tricky, but Asha is the best ice breaker imaginable.

Asha hung out with two great danes and had an absolute blast. She had no concept of the fact that they were  80 lbs heavier than her. She tried to steal their toys and jump on top of them.

I am ready for Lane to get home. We have another few days till he is out of the field, but I am ready for him to get back. I have been so spoiled since September with seeing him all the time. When we were still long distance going a week and a half was nothing. Two-three months was the average time, and I could breeze through it. I need to toughen back up before deployment.

I finally finished our wedding albums and should get the last one in the mail tomorrow or Wednesday. I am relieved to have them done but have a feeling I may make one more. I didn't have enough room to put all the family portraits in a book, and I love the pictures from after the ceremony. Candid photographs are great, but there is something timeless about the traditional family all standing together photo. My lovely readers ( the married ones anyway), what did y'all do for your wedding photographs? If you made albums do you find yourself going back to look through them? 

Lazy Sunday

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I got this wonderful book at the on-post library book sale on Friday. It is a collection of First Lady Jackie Kennedy's favorite poems. 

There are some gorgeous poems and I wanted to post some of my favorites. I haven't done a Sunday Art post in a while, but felt inspired reading this book last night. 

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Fog 

By Carl Sandburg 

The fog comes

on little cat feet. 

It sits looking

over harbor and city 

on silent haunches 

and then moves on. 

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Fireflies In The Garden 

By Robert Frost

Here come real stars to fill the upper skies, 

And here on earth come emulating flies, 

That though they never equal stars in size,

(And they were never really stars at heart) 

Achieve at times a very star-like start . 

Only, of course, they can't sustain the part. 

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Hope Is The Thing With Feathers 

By Emily Dickinson 

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul, 

And sings the tune without the words, 

And never stops at all, 

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm 

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm. 

I've heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest sea; 

Yet, never in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me 

I think this is just the loveliest book. It would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift too. The poems were compiled by Jackie Kennedy's daughter Caroline and include memories and stories about her parents. I am only part way through and can already tell this will be a book I will  return to over and over throughout the years. 

Opening Ceremonies

Happy Saturday! I know that some of y'all probably caught that Olympic Opening Ceremonies last night. I was certainly watching. I thought that it was really interesting and a little weird at some parts. 

The kids in their beds was kind of strange, but I loved Mary Poppins coming in to save all the children from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. 

The skit with the Queen and Daniel Craig as James Bond was amazing. She is such a good sport.

The "Queen" skydiving in 

The rings being forged was an absolutely gorgeous scene. 

Also, I was not a huge fan of the uniforms for the United States. I know there was a huge scandal over them being made in China, but I just didn't think they were stylish at all. On the other hand, I loved what the ladies of Belgium wore. 

Not so much a fan of the Czech Republic's Rain Boots and knee length spandex. 

Photos are from here and here

I have planned my day around being home to watch Michael Phelps compete with Ryan Lochte at 2:30. I found the NBC schedule super confusing, but Huffington Post has one here that was much easier to figure out. 

My guest post went live yesterday. If anyone wants to read about my love of trays, head over here. 

H54F 7/27

The Love Shop on Etsy

I usually have more creative blog titles, but nothing was coming to mind today. There are only so many Rebecca Black references that one can make. As always I am linking up with the wonderful Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for High Five For Friday. 

1. One of my favorite parts of the week is actually happening while I blog right now. Asha decided that 7:00 was the official wake up time, and proceeded to lick my ears until I agreed. We went for a long walk, visited the dog park ( which was empty at 7:30) and then headed into town. We stopped at Petco for some treats to keep her occupied while I enjoy the sun on the Starbucks patio. Blogging from my couch is nice, but a chance of scenery is good too. 

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2. We have been having rotating dinners while the boys are in the field. Three other girls and I have been having dinner and a movie nights all this week. It is infinitely better than hanging out in an almost empty house. I make chicken kabobs and they were delicious. Grilled pineapple is one of my favorite summer foods. I rented This Means War which was just as good as the first time I watched it. It did make me miss Lane a bit since we went to see the same movie for Valentines Day this year. 

3. Work has been so wonderful. Y'all, I feel so blessed that I love my job. I love the sense of accomplishment with helping soldiers figure out how get their degrees. I love problem-solving, and all the hoops that have to be jumped through make me giddy. 

Via The Daily Mail

4. The Olympics! I have an overly emotional connection to the Olympics. I was listening to NPR this morning and they were discussing Oscar Pistorius. He is a double amputee who will be running for South Africa in the Olympic Games. I teared up more than just a little at his inspirational story. I can't wait to watch the opening ceremonies. I am all signed up to watch the live stream ( thank you mom and dad's Comcast account). 

5. Last, but certainly not least, I am lucky enough to be guest blogging for the wonderful Homefront United. When I get the link to my article (about my love affair with DIY trays) I will be sure to post it. 

This weekend is going to be all about the Olympics, time with friends, and re-watching some 9th Doctor. I 

Travel Bug

I have been extremely fortunate to have traveled all over the world throughout my life. In high school and college I was able to go abroad to France, Italy and the UK. Seeing all of the excitement in London for 2012 Olympics just makes me want to go back. I was lucky enough to study at Oxford for a term, and feel like it is another home. I fell completely and totally in love with the city and University. 

Lane has been considering a career move (still in the army) that would take us overseas for a few years. I couldn't be happier and would move tomorrow if we could. Here are some of my favorite pictures from previous trips to Italy and England. 

Catching snowflakes in the middle of the courtyard at the Bodleian Library at in Oxford. 

Trevi Fountain in Rome 

Up on a hill overlooking Verona. 

Would y'all go live overseas if the opportunity presented itself? I can't wait for the open air markets, gorgeous architecture and the opportunity to travel. Also, somehow in nine years of being together Lane and I have NEVER been on a plane together. Obviously, we have flown extensively without one another, but never together. It is possible that moving overseas would be our first time flying together. 

Be Our Guest

So it is strange that I got my first taste of how guests should be treated from Beauty and the Beast? ( Hence the title above). I loved seeing all the dishes dance into a flurry getting ready for Belle's supper. I have been doing a lot of entertaining ( which I adore) and that is the theme of my Oh How Pinteresting Link-Up today. As always, this wonderful link-up is hosted by Michelle over at The Vintage Apple. All of these pins are from my Entertaining Board on Pinterest. 

I think this would be sweetest hostess gift. I am also thinking about it for overnight guests. It would be such a pretty display to have these downstairs in a pretty basket. 

This is supposedly the recipe for making your home smell like William Sonoma. It is a mix of rosemary, vanilla and lemon. Y'all, I tried this yesterday and it didn't really work for me. It smelled really good, but it was simmering on the stove for an hour and the scent barely spread through my kitchen. 

This would be another fabulous hostess gift. I love fun dishtowels, and these would be an excellent addition to my collection. 

I have seen these kicking around Pinterest a fair amount. You wrap a cookbook in a dish towel and then push wooden spoons in. I am also thinking about something like this for Mother's Day. 

This is the perfect housewarming gift. A bunch of small things that help a family settle into their new home. I use Myers products and the lavender hand soap is amazing. 

I really want an apron. As of right now I just keep a dish towel over my shoulder for dirty hands. 

Isn't this the fanciest ice cream you have ever seen? I just love this presentation and think it make a fantastic choice for dessert at my next dinner party. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday and finds loads of inspiration on Pinterest! 

Single Living Again

First, Our wedding was ten months ago today. I can believe it has been that long. I have moved twice since then, settled into our new life in NY and started a job I love. I can't wait to see what life has in store for us next. 

Photograph from Studio Sequoia

The next few months are going to be pretty husband-free. My husband will be in the field A LOT in the near future and it has me returning to my single-living habits. I leave the TV on more and don't cook nearly as much. I love cooking for other people, but would rather do something quick and easy for myself. I am going to hang out with the other wives a good amount, but also spend some time just reading and finishing a few house projects. 

I love Fifle        From Pinterest

A lot of Army spouses have a really hard time with their husbands leaving. I don't think anyone likes their husband to be gone, but I really try to keep busy and looking forward while he's gone. We were long distance for such a long time, that him not being around has been the norm for most of our relationship. In the next few months I want to: 

1. Take Asha for long walks

2. Watch a lot of chic flicks

3. Re-watch some of my favorite Doctor Who episodes

4. Go read for a few hours on the Starbucks Patio 

5. Try out 3 new recipes to debut when Lane gets back 

6. Finish my fall lesson plans 

7. Go to Zumba or yoga at least a few times a week 

Do any of my milspouse readers have certain things they do more of when their husbands are gone?

One a sad note, I was so sad to hear that Sally Ride passed away. I can remember being inspired by her when I was a kid. My parents always taught me that regardless of gender, I could be whatever I wanted when I grew up. This song might not actually be about her, but I think about Sally Ride whenever I hear it. Thanks for inspiring a generation of women. 

What Am I Watching

I would do a weekend recap, but our weekend was stunningly boring. Lane had a week from hell last week, and just wanted to relax and watch an entire season of West Wing. I was perfectly happy to oblige. We did make it to the gym and cooked some fantastic meals. Ladies, if you ever want to create a meal that will make a man fall in love with you, this recipe for braised short ribs is delicious and very very easy. 

I am always looking for recommendations for movies to watch on Netflix watch instantly as well as new books. Here are some that I have recently loved. 

The Decoy Bride

This is a British Romantic Comedy that stars the other love of my life David Tennant ( from Doctor Who) and Kelly McDonald (who is the voice of Merida in Brave). This is a great movie if you want something fun and lighthearted to watch. It is your standard chic flick. 

The American Heiress 

By Daisy Goodwin

This is the cure for anyone having Downton Abbey withdrawals. It is very easy to read, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved this book. 

Archer 

I am sure that lots of you have already seen this raunchy cartoon show. However, if you haven't ( and can handle a fair amount of depravity) I think it is hilarious. 

I always looking for recommendations so if you found something on Netflix you love, please send it my way. 

Happy Friday (A Little Late)

I really meant to write this earlier, but Asha decided to go a houseplant destroying spree. I don't really know how she managed to find each of them, but they were her chosen victims today. There were still loads of wonderful things that happened this week despite my puppy's plant-persecution. I am linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five Friday. 

1. I started advising on Fort Drum. I had been working at the main campus in town, but started on post this week. I absolutely loved it. The days fly by because I have a new appointment every house. I really feel like I am making a positive difference for these soldiers and family members. Helping people figure out how they are going to get their degree is really rewarding. 

She just wanted to cuddle after getting back from the vet. 

2. Asha was very sick on Tuesday morning but thankfully she is fine. I think she just eats too fast and doesn't actually chew anything. After three hours at the vet she is great today. So high five that it wasn't something more serious than an upset stomach. 

3. Yay for dressing up for work. I absolutely love blue and black together. I didn't realize until just now that my black t-shirt is covered in dog hair. Clearly outfit posts are not my thing. 

4. Whoever it is that posts Comic Con panels on YouTube. This might make me the biggest nerd in the world but I have loved watching the Big Bang Theory and Game of Thrones panels. 

5. My husband has been working like crazy this week and will be gone a lot in the next few weeks. I am happy that we got to spend some time together last night. 

Community of Reading

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A Cup of Jo mentioned a blog called Underground New York Public Library yesterday, and I am now obsessed. The photographer takes pictures of people reading on the subway. The pictures are really compelling and remind me why I love to read. They are also surprisingly intimate.

One of the commenters wrote

 "Funnily enough, I found this blog the same day that I had my first moment of "dammit, I wish I were reading a real book!" --I've had a kindle for 7 months now, and though I adore it, I'm surprised that hadn't happened earlier. It's marvelous for travelling, but today, I was stealing glances at another reader in my cafe, trying to see what he was reading, and I realized with a pang that he couldn't do the same. One lost little connection, I guess. Anyways, wonderful project."

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This really resonates with me. I worked at Barnes and Noble for almost two years. I absolutely adored talking to people about books all day. Finding a customer who loves a book that you also adore is a surprisingly powerful connection. Barnes and Noble prints the name of the bookseller who is at the cash register on each receipt. People tend to use these same receipts as book marks. Whenever I noticed someone on the metro doing this, I would always try to spy whose name was on the receipt. Once or twice I saw my own name. I've never had a customer recognize me, but I love knowing that I sold them that book. I love E-Readers, but the above commenter is absolutely right that there is such a connection when you find someone reading the same book.

I always try to sneak a peak at what people are reading at coffee shops. Do other people do this too? I don't do it to be nosy, I just love getting that little peak into someone's life. Ok, maybe that is pretty nosy.

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Pinterest Wednesday

Happy Wednesday. I am relieved that my sick puppy is much better today. I think it was whatever the dog equivalent of food poisoning is. She was completely fine after she finished throwing up. We still went to the vet and she is on a course of antibiotics to make sure it isn't a bug. 

I am working today (Hallelujah) but still wanted to link up with the lovely Michelle over at The Vintage Apple  for Oh How Pinteresting. 

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Asha follows me around the house and lies down in whatever room I happen to be in. When I leave to go do laundry or sit in the living room, she gives me a look of pure disdain for making her move. 

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I am pretty sure I have pinned something similar to this at least four our five times. I clearly need to get myself to Michaels for some large letters. I already have some red paint, and I think these would look awesome in my kitchen. 

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I love everything about this office. I am in love with the West Elm Parson's desk and that mirror is amazing. 

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I love this. I am a huge Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fan as well as liking the Hunger Games. 

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Our bathroom isn't nearly big enough for this, but I think it would be amazing in a larger room. I love the candles and soap.

Hope everyone finds fabulous ideas on Pinterest this week.
Happy Pinning