Time Out: Deployment Blues and Harlan County

I realize that I'll be MIA around here for a couple of weeks.  The Chief is home briefly before leaving on an eight-plus month deployment.  Did I mention that I love the Navy?!  Actually, I do love a lot of the Navy life.  I've lived overseas in Spain, we'll be able to fly around the world for free (on standby) when The Chief retires and the USN provides more defense for the U.S. than the average citizen realizes.  Anyway, we're spending time together with our cats and just soaking up the last few minutes of togetherness that we can enjoy...

We don't indulge in cable TV.  I often think about doing it, but then realize that I could do something much more productive with eighty bucks a month.  I've lined up some post-deployment but pre-return entertainment.  I forked over for Amazon Prime today (eighty bucks a YEAR) so that I can watch the show Justified.  The Chief and I are both Timothy Olyphant fans.  I've seen Seasons 1 & 2 (from the library) and was hooked. He's no Chief, but he'll work in this pinch!  Who knows?!  I might travel to Harlan County on my way to visit family in the next year!

Why my family rocks! (That's sort of a pun, BTW.)

This week is the 59th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.  I'm 39 (barely).  And, I'm a geologist by degrees (BS & MS) and in my heart of hearts.  I love rocks, fossils, the Law of Superposition, unconformities, stable isotopes, the idea of Jurassic Park, the Moab area of Utah, Carlsbad Caverns and Mt. Vesuvius.  I grew up in Tucson and my family (Mom, Dad and dear Sister) are all at the TGMS today.  I've gotten a few calls...  "is this ring cool?  Do you know about this mineral?  I got you a surprise!"  It all warms my heart.  When I know that my peeps are at this show, I know that I am a geologist at heart because of my childhood even if I don't work as one.

Anyway, mushy mush aside, they got me a couple of agate slabs so that I can DIY/copy Freckles Chick (whose hubby is also a geologist) and these framed slabs.  At six bucks a piece for these beauties, I wish I had an extra family member to hug.

Sweet Surprise

I was at Target today.  Okay, let's be real, I was deeply hypnotized by the big red bullseye this morning.  You know how it is...you go in for toilet paper and you come home with a bunch of 50% off Nate Berkus decorative stuff that is destined to be homeless for the unforeseen future because you already own too much crap.  I bought the ginger jar, stone frame and brass emerald cut vase that I've eyed since the line debuted.

I also bought myself three cute little notebooks for $2.99.  The Chief (my husband) is underway right now, so this was a substitute V-day gift for myself. At my semi-advanced age I can't seem to get into the groove of taking notes with my phone (other than photos).  These are just the right scale and sport a travel theme, which I dig.  There was a sweet surprise when I got them home and removed the cellophane packing.  The inside covers depict the underground/metro/subway system in each of the cities.

Tres chic, non?

 

Hello...is it me you're looking for?

Let's just get this first post out of the way.  Is it just me, or is this like the first time you kiss a boy or go to the DMV for your license? 

I'm really excited to start a blog.  I'm not entirely sure what the focus will be...I know this is death in blogland, but my motto of late is to "fake it 'til you make it".  My interests are home decor/design (in another life I'd be an interior designer), fitness (a new interest as I need to lose many pounds), science (I'm a geologist), fashion (I like clothes and shoes), the military (I'm a Navy spouse) and whatever else is on the plat du jour. 

So, this may be a rocky start.  You may need to secure your own oxygen masks before sending anyone else over in my blog direction.  My style may leave you gasping for a moment until you catch your breath.  Or, I might be that kindred spirit that breathes new life into your goals, dreams and hopes. 

In any event, welcome to my digital corner.  I hope you come back for tea, coffee or a cocktail.  I take mine without sugar or milk, black and straight up.