I welcome my enemy, the cold.

Usually I hate the idea of cold weather. The only things that I can possibly muster some enthusiasm about during this time of year are the 1 in 84,000 chance that I may be able to make a snow angel should it snow and snuggling closer to my husband in bed. Although he squirms and complains when I put my ice cube hands all over him while I laugh hilariously, I really think deep down he likes it. Other than that, I can't stand cold weather. My back hurts more from the arthritis and my fingers go bloodless-white and numb on the tips when I get cold for more than 10 minutes. Then there's also the other reasons that people generally don't like winter as much as all the other seasons: staying inside more, no cookouts, and less hours of daylight.

I walked outside this morning and I smelled it: The cold. Not just felt it, but caught a whiff of that crispness which promises only colder days to follow. This time I smiled. I was hit by a wave of joy and relief. It was this time last year that I said goodbye to my husband at the airport. At that time, the thought of an entire year passing was heartbreaking. It felt as if father time put a cruel hand up to halt the seconds from passing. The seasons have passed though, as they will. First was winter and the holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. I trudged through each one telling myself it was just one of many more to come. Then spring entered in and a few more birthdays and holidays slipped by. When summer arrived, there was a brief reprieve when my husband came home to visit for a few weeks. That feels like forever ago... especially when the Georgia climate hangs onto summer like a two year old with its favorite toy. Finally the leaves have begun to change and fall. Now I welcome the cold. Let it come! It only means one of the most wonderful things in my life will be returning. In just a matter of weeks this entire melancholy separation will be over. Just in time for me to have my hot stud muffin back in bed to keep my ice digits warm on those really cold nights.

I'm also looking forward to our move. Well, not the move itself, but rather the climate of where we're going. I've heard Hawaii is pretty nice. **wink**

Cats and Crocs

I opened my mailbox today to find it stuffed with all sorts of goodies. When I say stuffed, I mean stuffed! My mom sent Alyssa a beautiful little dress that has smocking on the top and an adorable Little Bo Peep and two sheep embroidered on it. I just love it! Alyssa is all about the dresses lately, and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon. I imagine she'll get a lot of wear out of it in Hawaii. It makes me feel a little guilty that I don't buy more expensive dresses for her... but hey, that's one of the many reasons why grandparents are so great.

I also got my Crocs. Considering I wear a size 10, I'm sure you can see why the mailbox was stuffed with the shoes, the dress, and all the cool magazines and Christmas catalogs that came, too. But before you dare think "Oh, she's got big feet!", I'll have you know they are not "big". They are simply firm foundations. So there. Anyway, once I tried them on, I got it. I now completely understand what all the hoopla is about with this brand of shoes. They were, quite honestly, the most comfortable pair of shoes that have ever been lucky enough to envelope my firm foundations. It felt as if I was walking on the softest, air-filled, squishy pillow. They fit perfectly, too! They're not clunky, either. They're cute little silver slingbacks with a purple detail around the sole. I can't wait to wear them out.

Since we are moving to Hawaii, I checked into the regulations on taking animals. It seems they are pretty strict about this and I wish I had known sooner. Once I realized there was a 120 day waiting period from one particular shot, my heart sank. But this morning I grabbed the cat carrier, caught the cat as she unsuspectingly came around the corner, and then proceeded to try to avoid as many scratches as possible once she realized her impending captivity. When all the caterwauling was over, I only had three minor scratches on my hand. Not so bad, really. She did great getting the shots. Didn't cry at all. I told Alyssa she could learn a thing or two from this and remember it when her next round of shots comes around. Hehehe... yea, I know. That wasn't exactly the best parenting tactic, but you have no clue as to what my morning with her had been like. At the time, I just figured it was calling things even. Back to the cat: We're only about two months out from moving, so our little miniature tiger is going to have to be in quarantine for about 50 days or so. That sucks. Bruce has tried to reassure me about the whole thing, but I just can't help but feel sad about it. Oh... I'll be fine.... it's the cat I'm worried about.

Pain, corruption, and thoughts about men wearing pink.

It's been a week and I'm still in pain in several places. Tomorrow morning I'm biting the bullet and making an appoinment on base. It's gotten to the point that it's affecting a lot (everything) of what I do. So that's that.

On a positive note, I got my laptop back today! YAY! I had to send it back to the manufacturer because the motherboard had a major defect. It was corrupted. No surprise there. It tends to happen to objects that linger within the vicinity of this wicked woman. Hehehehe... Seriously, though, I'm just happy it was still under warranty. I sent it via UPS and got it back within a week and a half. That's a pretty good turn around rate. Now I'm relaxing in bed, writing this. Well, I'm attempting to. It seems the cursor is skipping, or my palm is brushing the pad, because about every other sentence the cursor jumps and starts inserting words in previous sentences. ARGH! When I start typing quickly it takes a minute to realize the words aren't going where they're supposed to. I can't justify a "drop" test on it at this point, seeing as I just got it back.

I've had a couple of great deals shopping in the last few days. I scored a pair of truly cute Crocs for less than $15, and that included shipping! They were originally $50. I've never bought a pair of Crocs, and I'm excited to be able to try them at such a fabulous price. Yesterday, I went to Target to get some diapers since I had four coupons to stack. It was like getting a free pack. Works for me everytime! It must have been my luuuuucky day because I found a cute/sexy bra and panty set in my size. Just one of each hanging together.... it was as if they were waiting for me. Just for me. I was more than happy to pay less than $10 for a set that was originally more than $30. Now, I just can't wait to show my husband (bow chica bow bow). Ah, but the savings don't stop there! I then got a fabulous deal online for two nice shirts for my husband. They were originally $34 each. After shipping, I paid less than $18 for both! Not for one, but both! I was showing my husband the pics online this morning while we Skyped. He didn't love the purple shirt. He actually asked me what he was supposed to wear it with! **rolling eyes**  It's a purple polo! I told him "Pants... ANY pants!" He thinks a purple polo won't go with jeans. Lol.... men. I told him he should be thankful I didn't buy the shirt in pink. Mark my words though, I WILL get him in a pink shirt before I die. Whether or not he's sober when I do it, or possibly incapacitated in some other form or fashion (pun intended).... it will happen.