Goodbye RTtA!

Hey y'all!

I moved the blog. I'm no longer going to be posting here, so please follow me at the new location!! It's

Katy Tackles Life, and I really hope y'all meet me over there.

It's going through some changes, but because Blogger seems to have gone crazy in the past week, I apologize in advance for any issues. :) I love you all, and hope you keep reading!

Road Trip Preparations

Sitting here painting my finger and toenails, while watching Desperate Housewives. I heart this show pretty hardcore, but I'm only just into the second season, so no spoilers!! When I'm finished I'll post pics of my home mani/pedi. I very rarely (aka never) get professional ones anymore. One, my nails always have to be boring colors for the fingernails, thanks to the Navy. Two, they always take y feet calluses off, and at the risk of being gross, I like those. They aren't large and gross enough to see, and it makes wearing heels really painful. Haha. 

One more month of boring nails, and it's back to fun flirty colors. I am obsessed with colorful nails. Black, navy, pastels, glitter. You name it, I love it. 


Tomorrow I start the trek back up to Virginia. I've never made this drive before, so I'm hoping it goes well, and storm free. Prayers and well wishes are welcome, as always! :) My last day here in Jacksonville (or as it happens about 30 minutes outside of it, since my mom lives way out in the boonies. Seriously, we hear banjoes way too often for my comfort....) was very quiet. It was Baby Bro's seventh birthday, but since we celebrated with a huge party a few weeks ago, it was just quiet family time. I bought an XBOX yesterday (seriously can't live without one.... I have issues, I know.) and usually BB is not allowed to play video games, but he was granted a reprieve for his b-day so he spent the majority of his day riding his new bike, or playing Lego Harry Potter. Kinda boring sounding, but we enjoyed it. 


We also went to his school yesterday and had brownies and cookies with his class. The kids were super excited to hear about Africa, and then we spent time helping the teacher. The school allows you to volunteer (after a background check, of course!) and you get to assist the teacher grade papers, make notes to send home to the parents, etc. It is fun, shows Baby Bro I'm interested in his life, and will look good on my college application! I know I'm considering a degree in nutrition, but teaching is definitely a consideration. I still have some time to think of it. :)

I charged up my camera so tomorrow I can take pictures of my long, boring, lonely road trip tomorrow. Maybe I'll stop for lunch at a wi-fi spot and read up on your blogs to keep myself from going out of my mind. I also have Pandora on my phone (and a car charger!) and loads of awesome cds. (I seriously need to get an iPod hookup in the truck.) I'll probably spend loads of time talking to myself, too. Haha. I love road trips, but not solo ones. 


Ok, time for some honesty. I have been S.L.A.C.K.I.N.G. in exercise/eating lately. That ends now. I am officially no longer on vacation (not that a month long vacay should be excused...) and it's time to get serious. Plus I really miss running, no lie. So I need to start. :) I also need to start getting some sun on this pale white girl body, and am planning on working on that also. Haha. :) Also, since my hair grows super fast, I need to get my roots fixed up. Four weeks, and my roots are where most people's are at 6-8. I've already had to trim my bangs once. 

Why I Love My Best Friend.

I'm in a gushy mood tonight, so I've decided to write a post about my BUFF (BFF sounded out phonetically!). So I'm going to sit here listening to my Breaking Benjamin Pandora station (seriously. Where has this amazing contraption been all my life?!) and drinking my Silk Pure Almond dark chocolate milk (an amazing find. Seriously. Go buy it!)


Reason number one I love my best friend?

No for realz. This is my baby girl. She lights up my life, and when I'm away from her I get sad and miss the crap out of her. I love her more than 99% of the people in my life. She's just full of spunk and life and amazes me on a daily basis. I know Ellie was really torn between her sister and I for godmother status, and I feel so blessed to have been given such a wonderful gift. Plus. The kid is like a supermodel. I fully plan on exploiting that. Aunt Katy needs a big house.


Reason number two I love my best friend?


Pssssssssh. She keeps me sane. I have no clue how two people who are like oil and water can fit as well as we do, but it works. El and I are as different as night and day. I think the only thing we agree on in this world is how different we are. Haha. But we will talk for hours and not get mad or offend each other. (A miracle in itself since El is so nice, and I'm super.... um.... we'll say.... direct and opinionated.) And I mean hours. The other night we started talking just sitting in the garage, and kept talking until 6am. And this is something we do on a regular basis. My throat was sore from talking so much. We've done that since high school. (Though back then, there would also be two packs of cigarettes gone.... But not anymore!!) I think we work so well because there is zero competition or jealousy between us. I see that so often in friends ('frenemies'?) and it makes me sad. I guess opposites really do attract? Plus she will have random 'dance parties' with me. :)

Reason number three I love my best friend?


Um, hello. She's gorgeous. Who doesn't like pretty people?! 

I personally like to surround myself with beauty, and I'm just lucky enough to have friends that are gorgeous inside and out!




Sorry for being sappy. Haha. I have committed to running four miles tomorrow. Keep me honest guys! (Had to throw in some exercise SOMEWHERE! Haha.)

Seven Year Old Prodigies

Ok, first off.... why are all of my blog friends Gator-haters?! This saddens me. Oh well. You'll have to get over it, since this is one proud Gator fan, and y'all love me! :)

Thanks for all the sweet words guys, and I am so glad to be back to blogging. It's such a great way to keep up with people, and y'all are amazingly supportive! 

Today was super fun. I hung out with my godbaby and my best friend's mom and sister. Said best friend was busy entertaining her out-of-town guest, so we were on our own. We went shopping, and I got a super cute outfit, but I still haven't mastered dressing room self-photos.. haha. I'll still show you the picture I did get, but I should be wearing it tomorrow, so I'll try to get more pictures then. 

Besties mom cooked this amazing 'Italian meatloaf' today. I seriously could have eaten my weight in it, but I only had one helping! Haha. I have definitely put some weight on since vacation started, and I'm trying to reign it back in. So I also had a huge mixed greens salad with blueberries instead of dressing. (Trust me. It sounds weird, but it's perfect.) And a smoothie!

After dinner, we all (me, Akemi, Karen -Ellie's mom, Bob -Ellie's stepdad, and the twins.) went for a walk/run. The twins are Ellie's seven year old brother and sister, and they rocked my socks off. The loop we went on was a least two miles, and they ran pretty much the whole time! Bobby was even in flip flops! I was super impressed. Emily is so excited for me to run with her from now on. (Of course I leave back for Norfolk this weekend...) 

All in all it was super fun day! Tomorrow I'm going to the pool with Akemi and Brandi, then heading back out to my mom's house. :) 

Playing catch-up!

Hey y'all! I've just come to the conclusion that blogging on vacation is complicated, especially when my mother has no wireless internet! Haha. I caved and went out and bought her a router, and now I can blog to my heart's content on my own computer, which is better due to the fact that that is where all of my photos are! 


Ok.... where to start... I guess with the really big news. I'm not getting married anymore. The circumstances are private and personal, far too much so for a public blog, but there all the same. I can't avoid sharing it anymore. Shane and I are still together, but there is no longer a wedding in the works. I'm also not moving to North Carolina this summer (I'm sorry Jenn, I so wanted to be neighbors!) So as you can imagine I have been stressed and upset. That's also all I want to say on the matter at this time...


SO. I'll get back to other news. Yesterday I went to The University of Florida (a.k.a. my dream school) to find out what I have to get accepted. I will be a Florida Gator. I will. So now I have to focus on taking my SATs and my ACTs (I'm taking both to see which one I'm stronger at. Let's just say my high school grades were.... beneath my abilities....haha.) I may have to end up getting my AA (or the equivalent which is 60 credits and then transfer), but I'd rather just start as a Freshman. I'm really leaning towards nutrition. So I will be applying this fall for next year, so wish me luck and say lots of prayers!!! 


I went to the beach with my cousin and her beautiful little girl and my momma. It was super cute, since it was Avah's first time to the beach. I KNOW. Major FL mommy fail, since Avah is four. I gave Amber such a hard time! Haha. But she had such a blast flying kites and running around. It was precious.

I bought the Jillian Michaels's Yoga meltdown video, and I love it! I have been super slacker on running, but I have been doing lots of videos (P90X and Yoga meltdown mostly!) Too much eating out for my own good, I think though. And wayyyyy too much Starbucks. Seriously. I'm addicted to non-fat Chai Tea Lattes. Which has  200 calories (thank you Droid app!). I only have one a day AT MOST, so I figure I could have worse addictions. 


Today Ellie has a friend visiting from Washington (the state!) so I'm excited to meet him, so I'm sure I'll be posting about that! I leave back to Virginia for my last month in the Navy this weekend, and then I'll just be using that time to play catch up on running and reading! I did finish reading the new Sweet Valley book (I was super addicted as a kid!!), and it was ok. Not great, not bad, just ok. Haha. :) 


Also, I'll be changing around the blog a bit when I get some time, and probably changing the URL for obvious reasons... Anyways I love y'all, and have really missed you!!

Lots of Baking.... Fail.

Boy oh boy. What a day! Today my best friend Ellie and I were asked by my mom to make cupcakes and cake pops for a party she is having tomorrow for Baby Bro. So we eagerly agreed, and perhaps a little too soon. Haha. Maybe it was because it is April Fool's Day, or maybe because we just aren't that experienced in baking yet... But it was an adventure. We sure did learn some things though....


First, just because you want double the amount of product a recipe produces, does not mean double the entire recipe... Second, when the instructions tell you not to overheat the candy coating... Do NOT overheat the candy coating! Haha. Third, baking with three small children is not preferable circumstances! 


But we finished, and hopefully they don't throw us out of the party with rotten fruit and vegetables tomorrow! Haha. Bestie and I are supposed to go on a run tonight, if we can find someone to watch the baby. I really need a run! If not, then we will P90X it up in the living room and she can just watch. Or join in, more likely! 


Today we pulled a fun April Fool's Day prank! At Ellie's house they have the 'man cave' (a.k.a. garage) with a huge flatscreen tv, an Xbox 360, a Wii, a Nintendo 64, NES, and SNES. SO we moved the tv and the Xbox, and messed up the rest of the garage and took pictures, and told everyone they were robbed. It was hilarious. Here are the photos..

I also have a few of the non-chosen dress photos! Here you go!

And here are some photos from when I took Baby Bro and Akemi to the zoo. (Or as Akemi calls it, the jungle!) 

Well, that's all for the day! Have fun everyone! :)

I'm Baaa-aaaa-aaack!

I know. I win the Worst Blogger Award. I can't believe I've been away for like a week. It kind of sickens me...haha. But I've been super busy, and computers are hard to grab with enough time to post and upload pictures! Even now, I don't really have any... Haha.

So I'll just update you guys, and promise to give a full photo filled post later, and by later I mean tomorrow at the earliest. I'm on vacaqtion... Don't judge me! Haha. Just kidding, I know y'all of all people understand that blogging is more than just typing a few quick words. We put so much effort into these posts, and even when I'm way behind on reading on your blogs, please know I think of all you guys all the time! Luckily my friedns have gotten used to hearing, "I have to blog about this!" Haha.

Let's see. Biggest news I have? I. BOUGHT. MY. WEDDING. DRESS. It wasn't one of the Disney Dresses I mentioned before, but it was perfect. The saying is true that 'you'll know your dress when you try it on.' It brought tears to my eyes. I won't post it here, because my groom reads this all the time, and I feel he might get curious and sneaky! Haha. But I did take a bunch of photos of the dress I won't be wearing, and I think I will post those, since it doesn't count! I'm unable to on this computer, so it will have to wait. Sorry. Haha. I'm such a brat sometimes.

Speaking of brat, I went totally Bridezilla on my mom and cousin/bridesmaid today. Well more like 2 year old tantrum (I think I've been hanging with my godbaby too much lately... She's rubbing off on me). Totally cut the day short and filled with drama, but I eventually calmed down, apologized to my poor cousin, and am back on track. Holy cow are weddings stressful!

On Saturday I took Baby Bro and my goddaughter to the zoo. After a super huge 30 minute tantrum from Akemi (my little angelface....sometimes!), it was a very pleasant day. Though I did learn some things, like bring your own food. I spent 30 minutes waiting in line to pay way too much for unhealthy food for us. Ridiculous. But, it was a fun day, and the kids had a really good time.

Tomorrow was going to be a beach day, but the weather here has been totally ugly, and I'm ready for some Florida sunshine! We even had a tornado warning out here at my mom's house. It turned out to be a no-show, but still. Thunderstorms, while my favorite weather, have overstayed their welcome! Haha.

I went on a total shopping spree the other day, and I need to start taking pictures of my outfits!They have been super cute, and I also pierced a second hole in my earlobe! I'm such a military rebel. It's just the start to my 'civilian life', haha. I promise to be better about posting, and pictures!

Eating has been touch and go. Sometimes (actually most of the time, considering what all I'm exposed to... this morning we stopped at Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts and all I got was a fat free chai tea latte) I've been watching my food, but then there days I go crazy. Hello cake pops... Haha.

Exercise was pretty lackluster at first, but this week has been much better. Haven't been running much, but I have been letting P90X Insanity kick my butt. I have to stop it during the workouts, since I feel like I'm going to throw up if I dont' take breaks. Today I had to cut it short, because I'm a retard and ate ice cream shortly before I started. Silly girl. Oh well. You live and learn. I think I'm going to try and run tomorrow, I honestly just miss it. I also got the Jillian Michael's 6Week 6Pack and her Yoga video, and I really want to try those. :) So I may take an off day from P90X tomorrow and do those instead. :)

My mother and 'grandmother' (she's basically my grandmother!) have taught me to play Canasta, and now I'm addicted. Haha. Weird, I know, but it's so much fun! I'm such an old lady. I crochet, play Bingo and Canasta, and do needlepoint. Where's the nearest retirement home?!

Well I love you guys, and I'll TRY to catch up on blogs the next day I have free.... Though that might not be until Friday. And even then my bestie and I are baking cake pops and cupcakes for my mom's party on Saturday... But I'll try! I miss y'all! Have a great weeeeeeeek!

-Katy

Cake Balls! And Getting My Hurr Did.

Hello fellow blog friends! How have you been? I'm having such a blast! I spent yesterday shopping with my momma, and hanging out with Baby Bro. We washed my truck (sibling bonding and clean truck = two birds/one stone!) It was fun. I also made dinner for my family. I cooked Pineapple Ginger Chicken (one of Shane's favorite dishes) and even though I thought it was a little dry, it was a success! :) Yay!


This morning I zipped back to my besties so we could go to my hair appointment. Oh my goodness, there was some nerves going on there! The plan was not only to get it cut and dye it blonde but I was also asking for bangs! I haven't had bangs since I was in middle school! Or younger! But what can I say, I was inspire by my best friend's bangs. She's so gorgeous, and I want to be her twin! Haha. 


So I put on my big girl panties, and made it to my appointment. Here's a little photo montage. :)

When my hair was still wet, I almost burst into tears. It looked like black/white Bride of Frankenstein streaks. I held it together until the lady had finished, and was very pleased with the final result. Especially the bangs. I heart the bangs a whole bunch.


Then I went back to Ellie's and took some fun photos with my goddaughter and Ellie's younger sister Emily. My goddaughter was being so difficult! Everytime I went to snap the picture she would stick her tongue out! Bu whenever I looked at her, she would smile. Tricky little two year old! Finally I gave up, and just stuck my tongue out also!

Afterwards my best friend and I decided to make some cake pops! Yup. They are so neat, and off we were to get supplies! We bought the supplies and headed to her parents for her sister's birthday dinner, then back to her house to get to baking!


While we were waiting on the cake to bake, my goddaughter Akemi kept piling pudding cups while singing "Baking a cake. Baking a cake." The pudding cups were her 'cake'. It was so precious!!

We all had matching aprons, and it was just precious!

Needless to say they were a success! Seriously divine. I was surprised how moist and delicious they came out to be! I recommend everyone try and make them!

Well, this girl is exhausted and is taking Baby Bro and my goddaughter to the zoo tomorrow, so I need to get some sleep! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Insanity Is An Appropriate Name

Hi from Florida! It's amazing here, and I am in love with Florida (though let's be honest... I've always been in love!). Though I will say that I am less than thrilled with the heat. Haha. I was enjoying the brisk air of Virginia. I guess I should just take advantage and go lay out by the pool. Lord knows this pale girl needs it! I am on vacation... Haha.


I landed last night and my bestie, Ellie, godbaby Akemi, and good friend Lance picked my booty up from the airport. After a fun journey trying to find each other in the airport, we were off! We went back to their house and hung out for a while, but I was beat! So I passed out before everyone, including my insomniac goddaughter. 


This morning Akemi and I were up before everyone, and she likes to play 'Catch Me'. Which she then runs around expecting you to chase her. She also likes to frog jump and kangaroo jump. None of these are acceptable to do alone, she requires participation from her godmama. I swear, keeping up with Akemi is an entire cardio workout!

We made smoothies this morning, and I thought they were kind of bland, but my best friend loves me enough to pretend to enjoy them. Akemi was very honest and said they were awful. Two year old have no clue how to be subtle... Haha. It was funny. We were also jumping on the trampoline later this afternoon, and she said 'Stop jumping. Get your water.' (My water bottle was right off the trampoline.) I asked if she wanted some water, and she said 'No, you get the water.' This was her way of telling me to stop jumping, she wanted the trampoline to herself. It was hilarious.


Ellie and I went for a run today. It was the first time in a while for Ellie running, so we cut it a little short at a mile and a quarter, but Ellie was a total beast. We were running pretty quickly, and she finished really strong. Plus, we then went back and did a P90X Insanity Pure cardio workout. We were destroyed after that. I mean, seriously. that ish is no joke. It kicked my butt from here back to Africa! I can't wait to do it again! :) 

I straightened my hair for the first time in 8 months today. I had no clue my hair was that long. It made me absurdly happy. (Of course, I'm about to chop it off on Friday.....haha) I also bought new makeup (I love Clinique!), so I felt super pretty today. We tried to go shopping today, but it involved a major toddler meltdown, so we decided to go home instead. You have to be flexible with two year olds, I'm learning! :) 


Tomorrow it's off to hang with my mama, and Monday I have an appointment to try on wedding dresses! I'm so excited! :) I hope everyone has a great Wednesday! :)

Water and Blood.

Sorry y'all, no pictures. I've got a short break in which I'm doing laundry, haha. I haven't really taken any, though, my bad.


Had a pretty great few days! I'm checked into my new command, and I leave for Florida for TWENTY-NINE days of leave tonight. Yeah, that's right. And since I only have until May 20 left in the Navy, that's a very good chunk of it! :) Went to heaven the mall last night, and got a head start on my shopping. I picked up some very cute outfits that I can't wait to show you guys! :) Also bought four new pair of shoes. Please don't judge me. Shoes are my kryptonite, and I'd love to tell you I was done shoe shopping, but I'd be lying, and I'm not a big fan of lying... Haha.


Wanna know what the greatest part is?! I felt super awesome trying on clothes! I know I"m not where I want to be weight wise, but I feel like I'm really on my way. I really think not eating galley food has made a difference. I was convinced they put fillers in the food before, and now I am even more convinced. I'm less bloated than I have been in months. 


I am super dehydrated, though. I'm so used to free water bottles everywhere I go, and now they just aren't there! I went out and bought a (purple!) re-usable waterbottle, and now I'm just filling it up at the water fountain. Still have free water! (I'm a firm believer that water should be free.) I was so dehydrated yesterday that when they took my blood for a post-deployment HIV test, it was coming out of the needle in drops. Seriously, I thought I was going to die. (I hate needles!) I kept asking the lady how far it needed to fill up before it was done. Lol. So now I have my water bottle, and I'm trying to catch up!


I'm so excited for my flight tonight. My bestie is picking me up at the airport, and then I'm hers until Thursday when my mom picks me up and we go wedding errand running. I'll be sure to take pictures!! :) I'm sorry I've been such a slacker blogger, I just have to go to the lounge to use the internet, and it's super annoying. Haha. I'll get better in Florida! :) Ok, well I'm off to catch up on y'alls blogs!! Have a great day!! 


(I'll be back to TTT next week. I know, I know. I'm totally falling behind!)

Sunday Funday

Hey y'all! How is everyone enjoying their weekend? Mine is amazing so far. I haven't really done anything special, but being back in the States is so wonderful, I think I would enjoy anything! 


First off, I know every one of blog friends have been praying for warm weather, but when I walk outside to 40 degrees, it's like heaven. It feels like God turned the air conditioning on, and it's perfect. I'm sure I'll get sick of it soon (I am a Florida girl, after all!) but for now, I'm loving it. I walked to the Exchange this morning (probably a mile) and was just blown away by the beauty here. I mean, things are green! It's so wonderful. I spent a good chunk of the morning sitting in Starbucks finishing up 'Water For Elephants' recommended by both Jen from Peas and Crayons and Lisa from Thrive Style. It was flippin' fantastic! I loved it so much, and I'm super excited to see the movie! 


I rented some movies from Redbox (Morning Glory, You Again, and Salt). I watched Morning Glory and You Again this morning, but haven't started Salt yet. Both films were ok in my opinion, but not great. I do love Kristen Bell, though. I think she's gorgeous and very talented. I'm super excited for Salt. 


I ran outside today! It was crisp and cool, but the sun was shining, and it was calling my name. Plus, what better way to explore a little bit? I ended up only running two miles (on the golf course!) but it was hilly (totally new for me!) and I ran the fastest I have ever run in my life! I had no clue I was even going that fast! I had to stop after two miles, because even though the cold felt wonderful, my lungs were burning like fire. They just aren't used to cool, crisp, clean air. Haha. I got a few pictures (on my new baby, the DROID.) but I'm still learning to take pictures on the run! Hopefully I get better!

Then I went home and made a smoothie (oh yeah. I went out and bought a blender on my first day back in America. NBD.) 


Ingredients were:
+Blueberries
+Raspberries
+Strawberries
+Raspberry Chobani yogurt
+Lean Body berry protein
+ice
+Water


(I tried to upload a photo, but it won't let me for some reason.... Sorry!)


It was delicious!! I'm loving being able to make smoothies, now! Tomorrow I plan on trying my first 'Green Monster', so wish me luck!! :) I also ate a HUGE salad, and some Subway. I love Subway soooo much, and it was the thing I craved the most while in Africa. I've already had it twice since being home! :) 


Well, I guess that's it for today. I work tomorrow, and hopefully leave for Florida on Tuesday! I can't wait to see everyone! And get my beautiful, baby, truck back! :) Have a great day y'all! 


P.S. I got the photos from my award ceremony, and I also will do a full review of the 'Water For Elephants' book soon. :) So look forward to those! 

Blogging from my phone

.Hey y'all!! I don't have the internet right now, so I'm trying this phone blogging out. I just bought a Droid phone and I love it, though I'm still kind of lost!

Has anyone else ever blogged from a phone before? It's kind of interesting.

My trip home was super long! I flew out of Djibouti at 1 am on Saturday morning and we flew 2 and half hours to Kuwait. Then there was a two hour layover. Then we flew 45 minutes to Bahrain. That was the easiest flight I've ever been on, I'm telling you. I fell asleep before the plane even took off, and woke up when the plane touced down in Bahrain. It actually confused me a little bit!

Bahrain was like another two hour layover, and then a 3 and a half hour flight to Sigonella, Italy. I had internet there, so I tried to catch up on as many of your blogs as possible, but of course, it was the shortest layover we had, at only an hour.

Next was the two and half hour flight to Rota, Spain. We didn't have internet there so we spent the entire time watching Kitchen Nightmares. That show is the bomb.com. Then finally! The flight back to Norfolk, Virginia! We arrived and were supposed to go to the barracks, but there was an entire base wide power outage, so we ended up staying at a hotel. We checked in at around 5:30 am, and I immediately took a shower.

I had to use hotel shower stuff because I had to toss.mine while in Africa, but I didn't care, I felt so dirty!! After that I went and ate breakfast at the hotel and called a cab to take me to Walmart!!! I walked into Walmart with the biggest smile on my face! Now I truly felt like I was back! Haha. I bought some things and headed on over to the Verizon store to activate my account, and finally join he rest if the world in owning a Smartphone! I bought the Droid X, and so far I love it (when it isn't confusing the heck out of me!!)

Later I went grocery shopping, and it was amazing!! I was able to get some of the yummy stuff I've been seeing on everyones blogs! ( hello Chobani! )

Well I am off to get some more sleep! Tomorrow I will try to find a wireless spot, so I can catch up on everyone!!! Have a great day!!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Hellllllo Norfolk!

Well, I made it! I'm in America, and it was quite the journey! I will post all about it later, but for now I have to go seek out a Verizon store, and a Wal-Mart! I hope everyone has a great day! I'll be checking up on blogs later!! :)

Books, Books, and LOTS More Books!!

Hey Blog BFF's! As we speak, I should be on a flight back to Virginia. If I'm not because my flight got delayed, then I'm probably too busy crying my eyes out over a bucket bowl of 'feel better' ice cream to write a post. So I figured I'd write one now, and have it post later! :)


I started my 5 Year To-Do List, and one of the things 'to do' is to read 500 books. Holy Jeeze! What did I get myself in to? That's 100 books a year, and honestly, if I had 100 books that I loved I could knock that out in a few months. The problem is, when I don't get into a book, I read at about the pace of a snail.


Case in point, I read the last Harry Potter (off-topic, if you love HP as much as I do, check out this site! It's like crack. Harry Potter wiki), Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows in roughly 4 hours. Yet, I've been trying to force myself through the book O, Juliet for about three weeks now. I'm over halfway done, and I hate to not finish something I'm so invested in, but dang it. The book is boring. Plus, since it's an adaption of Romeo and Juliet, I know how it ends. 


So I was faced with the dilemma of just giving up and moving on to other books, or trying to finish, and wasting more precious weeks muddling through this book. 


I finally gave up. Put some new books on my Kindle, and I'm on my way. I'll still finish O, Juliet, but now I don't feel as though I'm wasting my time when it comes to the 5 year plan! Haha. Do y'all like to read? I'm a reading fanatic, but it has to interest me. I love romance novels, and fantasy mostly. I also like biographies, especially of celebrities I find interesting. I've read both Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's bios. They were hysterical! I highly recommend both. 


Right now I'm reading an anthology with one of the stories a Sookie Stackhouse story. I also have another one with a Sookie story on it, that I will read next (I love the Sookie books, and have already read all of the full length books!). I also have Water For Elephants that was recommended to me by Lisa, and I'm really excited about. Definitely want to read that before I go see the movie. 


So basically, if anyone has any books they want to recommend, I'm always taking suggestions! :) What is your favorite book?!

1 - I Ain't Scurred of No Aliens

Yeah, that's right. I leave tomorrow! Needless to say I am super stoked! I have downloaded Season 4 of Kitchen Nightmares and Season 2 of Cake Boss, I have my Kindle prepped and ready, my last load of laundry is in the dryer as we speak. I am completely checked out, and received my Joint Service Achievement Medal, all that's left is take my bags to get checked by customs, sleep, and wake up! So freaking stoked!!


I also have some amazing news! Are you ready?! I did it! I officially registered for the 2012 Walt Disney World Half-Marathon!! (If you want to be my BFF and run with me, go register here!) I had to sell a few organs on the black market to be able to afford it ($140 for a half- marathon?! Are you freaking kidding me?!), but it's Disney! I pretty much would do anything for Disney. (Me and a million other people, which is how they get away with robbing us blind!) 


I'm hoping to also register Shane, he said he definitely wanted to run it with me, but he has been having some knee problems, so I want to talk to to him first, to make sure he is able to before having to promise to sell my firstborn to afford his fee as well. You better believe I'm paying for him if he's able. That man spoils me rotten, and I am always trying to figure out ways to "get him back", since he never wants anything! Plus, this whole running thing is totally my idea. So while I'm still bringing in some dough.... might as well make the most of it, before Shane Sugar Daddy has to front all of the bills... Haha.


I figure since I'm putting Mickey and Minnie through college forking over the $$$ anyways, might as well make the most of it. Stay at one of the resorts (probably the military one, since it's cheaper!), and maybe do the VIP treatment. But I have to talk to the boy before I make all of those plans! :) I should be able to talk to him as soon as I'm in Virginia, as long as our flight isn't delayed, and I can get to Verizon before it closes!


Anyways. I know I should be posting more about how I am so excited to be leaving (and I am!!!), but the whole registering for my first race kinda stole the spotlight from other things! Haha. Here are my fitness goals.


April-June (or maybe May-July) - do the P90X (maybe Insanity version)
September - January - fully devoted to half-marathon training


I also will keep running, throw some swimming in, and definitely yoga the whole time. That's the plan! :) I don't have any photos (there were some taken at the award ceremony, and if I can get my hands on them I will post later!) So I will leave you with this random photo of me taking on the Alien.

Dang. I make Casper look tan. Not to self. Bronzer. Have a great day, y'all! I'll try to make some auto-post blogs, since I have no clue when I'll be able to get back on here. I'm thinking of having of 'Return to America' giveaway... Whatdya think?!

2 - Almost Done!

Whew. Check out is 90% done. Tomorrow we have our 'bag drag' which means we take all of our check on luggage to get searched (customs) and taken away to hold for the plane. So after 4:00 pm tomorrow, I will only have my carry on items. :) Or anything I plan on throwing away. It's so surreal to me that this is finally happening! 


I have totally slacked on exercise this week. I know. Bad Katy. But today I washed my running shoes, so it's official. The next run I do will be in Virginia. :) (We have to wash our shoes because customs won't allow any shoes with dirt on them to pass. They make you throw them away.) I plan on having a nice (cold! Remember I'm used to Africa heat, and anything under 80* is downright frigid for me!) run in Norfolk on Saturday!


Last night we went out to dinner for my going away dinner, and it was super fun! We have a dress code for going out into town (the military is very strict on keeping a professional appearance in foreign nations), and it's pretty simple to follow. Collared shirt, tucked in, belt, closed toe shoes with socks, no shorts above mid thigh, etc. Nothing too complicated, and they aren't super strict on enforcing it anyways. But two of the guys who were going needed to buy a new collared shirt, and let's just say our selection here on base is quite limited. So they ended up both going to the Exchange yesterday (separately!) and buying - then wearing! - the same shirt. We made fun of them all night, it was hilarious! I had to get a picture with the Bobbsey Twins!

We went out for Chinese food, and it was delicious! I always get the same thing at this restaurant, the 'Beef with White Potatoes' and it never disappoints! Eating out here is so different than in the States. For one, the service is completely different. You have to request any refills on your drinks, and I always end up forgetting, and then sitting there with no drink for like 20 minutes! Haha. Also, they don't bring the food out at the same time. So there may be a 30 minute time difference in when the first person is served and the last is served. So we all agree that the rule of 'waiting until everyone has their meal before eating' doesn't apply here, since most of the food would be cold! 


It's also very obvious how America is always in a rush compared to here. They don't rush anything. This totally applies to restaurants. So when you are here, expect a very long wait for your food after ordering. It definitely takes some getting used to! Especially since we have set galley times, so it's always been hours since the last meal, and you are usually starving before you even leave base. It's not uncommon for people to eat a small dinner on base right before going out to dinner in town. It saves on money, and keeps your tummy from growling!


I have no idea what they expect from tips, but I'm a total giver when it comes to tips, I very rarely leave less than 20% in America, and the service has to be bad for someone to get less than that. I don't think I can remember a time when I haven't left a tip at all. So here, I just tip like I would in America, since we don't really have any guidance.... Haha.

I wasn't as angry as I look. I had just taken a bite of food!

Well, that's all I've got for today, I'm going to try to think of my TTT subjects, and hopefully will get that post out today! I've just been so busy, I haven't had a chance to think of them!! So I'll ask y'all some questions!!

Are you a good tipper? Or are you very critical of the service? I'm always a good tipper, but it's not all because I'm nice. Mostly, it's just easier to figure 20% then 15%! Haha. A few of my friends are super critical, though. I usually over tip to compensate... Haha.

Have you ever been to another country and noticed a slower pace of life? Yes, yes, yes. And I'm from the South, where things are already at a slower pace! I want to visit New York so badly, but I think I'd be overwhelmed at first! :)

3 - The French Beach

Hey y'all! First off, there have been some questions as to what 'checking out' means. Sorry for the military lingo. 'Checking out' means the check out process of a command. When you leave a command permanently, you have go around to the various parts of that base (i.e. medical, dental, travel office, etc) and have them make sure you are out of their database, pick up med/den records, you don't owe them any money, you didn't check out any gear that hasn't been returned, you have your flight itinerary, various things. You get a check-out sheet, and every different department signs off on it. So, when I said I was 'checking out' it meant I was running around base getting that sheet signed so I can leave on Thursday. :)


Today's portion of my check out process will be turning in all the (not used ONCE!) gear they gave me. I have three sea bags (huge green duffel bags) full of this gear they issued that I didn't need. This is awesome that they are letting us turn it in here instead of Norfolk, because those bags are heavy, and now I don't need to carry them around. :) Haha. I'm also hitting up the post office to mail all my crap home. I have a huge trunk and about 8 boxes. It's pretty ridiculous how much stuff I have since I was only here 7 months. 


Yesterday was super fun, though! I went out with a group of friends to French Beach. It's this beach out here that they have tables with 'shelter' type tents for shade, and you can grill. It was super fun. I ate so much! We had hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, and it felt like I was back in Hawaii for a few hours. (Unless I looked behind me.... I had to stare out at the ocean!) It was amazing. We're going out to dinner tonight for mine and my friend Murphy's going away, since we both leave on Thursday. 

Murphy, the guy on the left was obsessed with chasing down these crabs out here. He couldn't sneak up on them though, and anytime he got too close, they would scurry into their holes in the sand. So he went out and collected hermit crabs and brought those back to the table. 

I even went into the water, which if you remember this TTT, I am deathly afraid of sharks, and usually won't go in the water. I definitely did catch myself scanning the water a few times, but I was ok. It was the perfect temperature, and felt amazing! We played Frisbee, and I am awful at Frisbee. Haha. It always went in the opposite direction of where i was trying to throw it. 

We stayed out there all day, and it was wonderful. We came back to base and I had enough energy to shower, and pass out. Haha. So sorry for no blog yesterday, I was beat! Thank goodness I ate my weight in food at the beach, because there was no way I had the energy to walk to the galley last night for dinner! :) 


Well, I hope y'all had a great weekend! I'm off to enjoy my Monday, get some things done, and basically be one step closer to leaving! :) Have a great day!!

5 - The Biggest Loser

Hey y'all! How is everyone doing today? Hopefully safe and sound, especially with all of this earthquake/tsunami mess going on. I'm very glad all of my friends in Hawaii and Japan are ok, and my prayers to go out to those who lost during this tragedy.


Today was a blissful day spent checking out of my command, and I got a whole bunch of stuff done. (i.e. new ID card, picked up my records, and basically just got the majority of this checked off.)

Oh yeah. I'm that cool. You don't have to tell me. Basically me and Sawnni just ran around to a bunch of buildings that people looked us up in their database and made sure we didn't have any equipment that needed to be checked back in, or didn't owe any money. The Navy really doesn't like it when you owe them money.... Haha.

Then we zipped back to our shop because they wanted a group picture f all of us. We weren't all there, but hey, when you work as crazy a schedule as we do... Getting all of us in one place at one time is pretty impossible. We had a guy taking the picture with a professional camera and all, but I wanted one with my po-dunk camera too. So we acted silly for mine. Professional pictures are over-rated anyways....

So, on a completely unrelated topic... I was thinking of my friends' who have done a 'Biggest Loser'  type challenge in their work spaces, and I really think it sound fun, and I think it would be great motivation... unfortunately... I am not really in a place to do that right now at work. Seeing as how I leave in 5 days and all... So I was thinking of doing it via blog-world? What do you guys think? I was thinking make it like 2 months, and then the person who loses the most gets a prize. Obviously you would only participate if you are already wanting to lose some weight, this would just make it a little fun. Let me know if there are any interested (you can email me at khprosc @ yahoo dot com if you don't want to comment about it...) and if I get some yeses, I'll set it up! :) 


Well, I have a brief about checking out today, and this girl is HUNGRAY. So I'm off to breakfast. I'll have another busy bee morning, then I'm planning on hitting up the gym later this afternoon. I desperately meed to do ab work! :)