Sunday Art

Well hello Sunday. We are headed into Syracuse for lunch and Lane is starting his next tattoo. I am continuing on to D.C tonight, but wanted to do a quick post with some art that I have been loving this week. I have loved Monet's Haystacks for years. I used to go to Chicago and see them at the Art Institute.

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I think there is something wonderful about these paintings. Monet would paint the same subject in multiple lights and seasons. The same haystack looks remarkably different depending on the light. Although he is famous for the water lilies, I like the haystacks better. 

Hail and Farewell

I attended my first Hail and Farewell last night. It was held at a gorgeous lodge type building on post. Lots of guys from the squadron were there, and I got to meet some of the people Lane will be working with. All of the new guys were hailed, and the Colonel made a very funny speech about Lane and welcomed us to the unit. His wife gave me a yellow rose and the squadron pin. One tradition that I was NOT prepared for was the yellow garter. In Cavalry units, the wives are presented with a yellow garter. In fact, Lane had to put the garter on me while everyone cheered us on. We are all supposed to wear the garter to the squadron ball in June.

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High Five Friday

This week flew by, and I am linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five Friday.

1.  I am 99% sure I will be employed this summer. The Vice President of Academic Affairs loved me, and they all said how excited they are to bring me on as an Adjunct Professor. I may also work as an Academic Adviser   which would give me more steady hours. This is such a relief as I was terrified that I wouldn't meet my goal of being employed by May. I feel really proud of myself for how diligently and tenaciously I have searched for a job. 

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2. My workouts were awesome this week. I was having some knee issues earlier in the week, but I did squats yesterday and they were great. I should be dead lifting over 100 lbs in less than two weeks! 

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3. I made amazing ginger garlic shrimp on Wednesday night. Our little point and shoot camera is still not working, so no pictures. I made the sauce by simmering ginger, garlic, half a tomato, and olive oil for about 30 minutes. Turned it up to high, threw in the shrimp and cooked till done. Lane devoured it in less than five minutes and asked if there was more.

  

4. I read a TON this week. I went on a Philippa Gregory kick and finished The Lady of the Rivers plus a few others. I am reading The White Queen right now. I love her books because I can get my history fix, but still feel like I am just reading a novel. 

5. Lastly, I am so freaking excited to be going to two of my favorite places; D.C and Atlanta. I am going to see some of my favorite people and soak up the warm weather. 

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Tumblr Loving

Man I have just not been able to keep up with today. I woke up tired, and it hasn't improved. A really great yoga class and large latte haven't helped at all. One of my goals for this year is to do more yoga. It is a really great balance to the weight lifting I have been doing with Lane.

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There was another job fair on post today. There were a lot of the same employers as the one I attended last week, but some new opportunities as well. I made a few good connections, and pretty much cemented working at the local community college this summer. Ah, I can't believe I am going to be a teacher!

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Has anyone seen the Texts from Hillary Tumblr? I posted a picture of her a few days ago doing work in the back of a C-17. Clearly I wasn't the only one who thought that she looked like a boss. Here are some of my favorites: 

 

 

And in perhaps the greatest meeting of two memes ever...

 

Sadly, the founders of this tumblr have decided not to continue. Secretary Clinton actually met with them and  sent in her own contribution. They have decided to stop while they were ahead. I love finding clever tumblrs like this. Another funny one is Kate Middleton For The Win. ( I am clearly having a major Crush-On-Kate Week). I would love any other fun tumblrs y'all know about and think I should check out.

 Happy Thursday! 

Duchess Kate Inspiration

Hello Wednesday. Today I am linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting. My theme for this week is all about the always lovely Duchess of Cambridge. I have a major girl crush based on her impeccable style and social grace.

Looks I Love- Molly on Pinterest

Lovely- Molly on Pinterest

Looks I Love- Molly on Pinterest

I am a huge fan of the first lady, but this outfit was troubling to me. Why does that pink jacket stick out so far in the back? Kate looks impeccable, and I would commit heinous crimes for her hair. 

Looks I Love- Molly on Pinterest

There is something so classically gorgeous about this picture. I think one of my favorite things about Kate is that looks genuinely happy almost all the time. I don't think it is some fake smile for the cameras. 

This to Remember- Molly on Pinterest

Everyone should take this into consideration. 

Looks I Love- Molly on Pinterest

Ok, so this is probably too many Canadian maple leaves for this American girl, but I love the dress and the hat is fabulous.

Looks I Love- Molly on Pinterest

I think this is one of the easiest outfits to pull of for normal girls. I think I will add a black wrap dress to my summer shopping list. 

I am a huge fan of the Duchess of Cambridge, and think she is an excellent role model for women. Anyone else find fashion inspiration from Kate Middleton? 

AFTB Classes and Army Reading

A few weeks ago I participated in the ACS sponsored Army Family Team Building classes. I thought it would be a really good way to get an introduction to some aspects of the Army that were unknown. I completed levels 1 and 2, which were two days each. According to the Army,

"Army Family Team Building (AFTB) prepares everyone in "America's Army" to function at their highest level. It prepares families for any situation. Knowledge is power, AFTB provides participants with information to help understand the functions of the Army and the soldier's role. AFTB offers the tools to assist in improving the family well-being. Available resource information is also provided, creating a higher level of self-sufficiency in times of separation."

We had a really interesting mix of women in the class. There were a bunch of newly married women like me, but also some more seasoned military spouses. Each section was about an hour and covered topics from etiquette to how to read an LES. I found most of the classes really helpful, especially the traditions and etiquette sections. 

I would definitely recommend the class to anyone wanting to get a better grasp on the Army. They were awesome about making sure we were aware of all available resources on post and in the community. 

I want to read this book. 

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I have heard really good things about it, and some of my friends found it really helpful. Before I got married I read everything  I could find about marrying a soldier. Honestly, the ones I found most helpful were not the guides focused on the spouses. I preferred the books focused on the lives of soldiers. While they weren't focused on my role as a spouse, these books gave me a better idea of the Army world as a whole.

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This book follows the selection process for Special Forces. While Lane is not SF, I got totally sucked into the story and the soldiers who were trying to pass selection. Dick Couch is an amazing writer and I highly recommend this book as well as The Warrior Elite.

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This book was heartbreaking, and I don't recommend reading it in public. It follows the Casualty Notification Officers and the families who lost someone. It is beautifully written and a compelling read. 

Dressing Up

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I can't believe April is chugging along, and before long May and June will arrive. I am thrilled for the summer to get here, and bring the nicer weather. We also have the squadron ball  in early June. I have never been to an Army Ball, and have begun the process of finding something to wear. I definitely want something more conservative than some of the dresses I wore to formals in high school and college. I don't want to be the scandalously dressed hussy everyone whispers about. Here are some of my inspirations and ideas.

All images from Molly on Pinterest

I am definitely thinking jewel tones, maybe blue or green. I love how comfortable and lovely chiffon is. My wedding dress was entirely chiffon, and I loved it. The green dress from Atonement has always been one of my absolute favorites, and the bottom green dress is a close copy. If I wear anything strapless or with spaghetti straps I will absolutely wear a shawl.