Vent.

After having to wait about 2 weeks for my background check, I got a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing yesterday stating that the quality of my fingerprints were too low to be used. Wtf! I submitted *2* copies of fingerprints, too. So now I have to go back and get them done again, send them in and wait...again. This is prolonging me receiving my ATT. I wish I could just do electronic prints (because everyone does that now) but since I'm out of state I have to do the traditional ink fingerprints. Needless to say, I'm pretty annoyed about it.

Changing the subject to something totally different...is our carpet situation. I've lived in this apartment for almost 2 years. When I moved in, my roommate Tina had a cat named Jack and my other roommate Candice recently got a kitten named Milo. Both cats were very sweet. Candice paid money to have Milo declawed; however, Jack still had all of his claws. Jack started being very bad and started tearing up our carpet. The carpet is shredded (and coming up off the floor) by the entrance of our apartment door, entrance of our kitchen, by our bathroom door and by Tina's door. There's some wear 'n tear by my door and Candice's door. Then Jack got really bad - he started pooping and peeing all over the place. In one week, he pooped 4 times and peed on one of our couches once. I know he peed again one day because I could smell it, but we couldn't locate the area where it was coming from (probably was underneath one of the couches or something). Milo then started to pick up on it. The cats peed on both of my roommates' clothes a few times...thankfully I was always smart enough to keep my door closed so I never had to deal with that problem.

Tina works at a hospital about 40 minutes away from here, and when she works she just stays at her parents' house because they live closer to her work. Therefore, sometimes Tina would be gone for an entire week and ask us to take care of Jack and make sure he is fed and everything. That would also leave Candice & I to come home to the shit and piss and awful smells and leave US to clean up after him. It eventually got so bad that we gave Tina a reality check, and also told her that if she doesn't have time to take care of a cat, she shouldn't have one. Basically, we told her Jack had to go. We tried everything to get him to stop pooping & peeing but it didn't work, and our carpet is already destroyed. We've even got wear 'n tear on our doors because the cat would keep scratching them.

Eventually we got rid of both cats. Jack went to a shelter because we couldn't find anyone to take him, and Milo went to Candice's parents' house.

Got all that? lol good. The next step is to have someone look at our carpet to estimate the COST OF REPLACING IT. This carpet was brand new when my roommates moved in and they lived here for a year before I moved in. The carpet will definitely have to be replaced. Tina said she was going to have someone look at the carpet to see how much WE owe.

Excuse me, WE?

I'm estimating probably $1000-$1500 to replace it, but then again I know nothing about carpet lol. Anyway, I really do not think Candice & I should have to pay for this carpet. Candice paid a little extra money to have her cat declawed so that it wouldn't add to the problem and I was smart enough to not get a cat of my own lol. We consistently reminded Tina of the damage in the carpet and she just blew it off and said "oh it's fine." And now it's really bad and it's going to be really expensive and she's expecting us to pay for it.

I'm sorry, maybe it's just me, but I don't think that's fair. It was her cat and her fault for letting it get so bad.

She's got a grown-up RN job now. Candice is also an RN, but she agrees that we shouldn't have to pay, either. I'm still making TECH pay. That's $11.53/hr, + shift differential because I work primarily evenings. I probably won't even have my job much longer because my hospital's policy is once you're an RN, you can't work as a tech anymore...not to mention that I still have a WEDDING to pay for. Tina is getting married too, but her wedding won't be until summer of 2012, so she still has awhile. Mine is THIS MAY.

I don't know, am I being selfish about it?

On another side note, it's a nice (sarcasm) wintery mix here in Ohio. Missouri is also supposed to get part of the storm and Eddie told me last night that he was getting a snow day today. My college cancelled classes today. I wish healthcare workers could get snow days lol.

Military Monday Bloghop!

It's Military Monday!

I started my NCLEX class today :) I decided to go to the Starbucks on the corner before heading in but daaaaamn were they busy! The drive-thru had a long wait and they were packed inside. Instead of opting for my usual grande soy 1 pump vanilla latte (for the sake of time, because I only had 10minutes before the class started) I opted for a grande Pikes Place instead, because I could that instantly lol. Unfortunately that didn't do the job, because I'm still ridiculously tired.

I enjoy this class, though. The main instructor is hilariously vulgar, and that makes it even more fun. As tired as I am, I'm even more motivated now :)

♫ I'm coming home, coming home... ♫

Today I drove nearly 12 hours from Fort Leonard Wood back to my home in OH-IO. I left by 0840-ish (definitely took my time...when I was leaving to go to FLW, I was up and ready by 0500 lol) and got home around 2030.

The past 4 days went by soooo fast. It also didn't help that I came on a week when Eddie was busy with BOLC stuff. I pretty much saw him in the morning when he got up for PT (at like 0500 lol), went back to sleep, then got up around 0700 when he came back. He would hang around until around 0740 and then went off to his classes. I saw him for lunch, and then I had my evening time with him. Between then I would just kind of hang around lol...I made several trips to the PX and commissary and then ventured off-post to the huge super Walmart (there is *SO* much to do in Fort Leonard Wood!) and just patiently wait for him to come back home. Yesterday was our only "whole day" together but regardless I'm just so happy I got to see him and spend time with him. I can't wait to go back there again and this time I'll stay longer. Thank goodness February is a short month :)

I'm also starting my NCLEX review class tomorrow. Is it sad to admit that I'm actually kind of excited for this? haha. I have been trying to motivate myself to study on my own and although I've been doing a good job, I don't think I'm doing as well as I should. I'm hoping this review class will help motivate me more and put me on the right track as far as studying goes. There's soooooo much information that we're required to know and it can be really overwhelming. This will also make me one step closer to becoming an RN, which I should hopefully have my March :D I'm still waiting on my ATT, though.

On the flipside, once I get my RN, I'm pretty sure my job won't let me work as a tech anymore, which sucks because I'll be unemployed and who knows how long it will take for me to find an RN job! I still have wedding shiz I need to pay for too, plus rent and other bills. I'm hoping they'll let me slide since I'm getting licensed in Texas and not Ohio, but we'll see. Maybe I'll just keep my mouth shut about it!

The Versatile Blogger Award!

I want to thank Stephanie @ a fairytale with dogtags for picking me for this award! This is my first blogger and getting this made me smile! Go check her out :)

Now for the "rules" of this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award

2. Answer 10 questions

3. Pass it along to blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy

4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

The 10 Questions...

1. Why did you create this blog?

Honestly, just because! I wanted a blog to talk about my days. And even though we're still kind of stuck in Army limbo at the moment, I also wanted to use this blog to document my days and experiences as an Army wife.

2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?

I follow a lot of milspouse blogs along with beauty and nursing blogs.

3. Favorite make-up brand?

Urban Decay!

4. Favorite clothing brand?

I pretty much shop wherever (and I like to hunt for bargains!) but I noticed I do a lot of my shopping at American Eagle and Express.

5. Indispensable makeup product?

mascara (and eyeliner!)

6. Favorite color?

purple is my absolute favorite. I also like pink and aqua blue.

7. Favorite perfume?

Vera Wang Princess and Armani Diamonds.

8. Favorite film?

Forrest Gump is probably one of my favorites. I have a lot, though!

9. What country would you like to visit and why?

China, Japan, South Korea or Thailand. I have a love for Asian culture (because I'm half-Asian myself!) and also their food haha.

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?

oh definitely blush.

I'm passing this award on to
LTArmyWife @ Stetsons, Spurs, and Stilettos
Lauren @ Killer Words from a Queen
The Peacock's Tale
Beckie @ Turn For the Nurse
Nicole @ An Army State of Mind

:)

Milspouse Friday Fill-in #9

For more information, head over to Wife of a Sailor's blog!

1. If you were a famous movie star, what types of movies would you star in?

I love all types of movies (even horror!) but I would probably have to say romantic comedies.

2. What is a vacation you would like to take if money were no object?

Either Hawaii or Fiji, the Dominican Republic, Bora-Bora...any where that is beachy and tropical! I'm hoping we can maybe go to one of those places either for our honeymoon or 1 year anniversary :) (for our honeymoon we'll probably just stay somewhere in Texas and go to South Padre Island or Corpus Christi or something)

3. Did you have pets growing up?

I had a black lab/rottweiler mix named Mesha (it means "teddy bear" in Polish). She was huge and weighed 110 lbs - that's how much I weigh! Some people thought she was scary looking and looking back on old pictures I guess she kind of was lol *BUT* she was such a sweetheart and just one big puppy! I miss her!

4. What do you do for exercise?

Honestly, I don't really exercise, but I'm trying to change that. I did yoga for awhile when I was still in college but then I couldn't make it to the class they had at the rec due to my school schedule so I stopped going. I've been wanting to find a yoga studio somewhere by me but they're expensive.

I work a lot, though, and at my job, I am always on my feet and constantly speed walking up and down those hospital halls, so in a way I consider that my "exercise." I've always wanted to strap a pedometer to my scrubs and see how many steps I take during a shift and figure out how many miles that is. One nurse did that and walked the equivalent of 15 miles!!

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received from a MilSpouse?

As of now (because I'm still kind of an Army wife n00b) - be flexible, because you honestly never know with the military! Things tend to change, even at the last minute. Also, don't worry about anything if it didn't happen. And if you haven't talked to your spouse in awhile, assume that "no news is good news."

pointless survey

Are you ready to get out of this town?
Out of Ohio? Oh yessss. I'm going to miss quite a few people, but I'm ready for a change.

Do you find the opposite sex confusing?
At times, but less confusing than the same sex tends to be haha.

Where is your cell phone?
right next to me.

Are you happier now or four months ago?
now, but don't get me wrong, I was very happy 4 months ago, too.

Do you miss the way things used to be?
sometimes (such as seeing Eddie a lot more than I do now)

How's your love life lately?
Great :)

Are you open with your feelings to people?
Sometimes.

Can you read other people's expressions?
Yeah.

Name something in your past that you'll always remember.
Too much...

Would you rather take a relationship really slow or really fast?
I say just go with the flow

Did you have a good birthday this year?
I guess. It wasn't like exciting or anything lol

Does anyone completely understand you?
I don't think so.

Do you prefer to call or text?
usually text.

Expecting something to change in the next month?
get my ATT...pass my NCLEX...become a REAL nurse (RN) :)

You're thinking about someone, aren't you?
always.

Ever like someone older than you?
I have before.

Do you still pinky promise?
haha yeah I make Eddie pinky promise me...he does the same to me, too!

Are you waiting for anything?
waiting for Eddie to come back!

Would you ever get a tattoo. & where?
I've thought about it, but idk where...

When is your birthday?
October 6th.

Do you get along with guys or girls better?
Guys, I think. I think it's because I share the common interest: video games.

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?
too much sometimes.

Would you live with someone without marrying them?
I kind of have, considering I practically moved in to the ROTC townhouse after I decided I hated my roommates (they were a bunch of bitches) and during Eddie's last year at UA I practically lived in the Thayer house

What color are your eyes? brown.

Are you taller than 5 foot 7 inches?
Nope I"m 5'2".

Are you a patient person?
very.

Will this weekend be a good one?
yes and no. Eddie will be free because he doesn't have class on the weekends, but I'm also leaving Sunday to drive back to Ohio :( I'm looking forward to this weekend but at the same time I'm not...it's bittersweet.

Which is more romantic: sunrise or sunset?
sunset

Are promises important to you?
yes but I realize that are promises that can't be kept.

Do you like to cuddle?
I LOVE it.

Do you find smoking unattractive?
yeah.

Name something you hate.
When people complain about not being able to see their SO for OMG A WEEK. Alexis Jovan Chervony explained it so well in his tribute to military girlfriends/spouses video :)

You just drank 52 shots. What would you be doing?
omg I seriously would be dead. 3 drinks would probably land me a spot in the ER haha

Do you think your past mistakes made you into a better person?
I think so.

Do you ever listen to country music?
Not a fan.

This time last year were you single?
Nope.

Who's the biggest asshole/bitch/fag you know?
Greg Diamond

Have you ever kissed a blue-eyed person?
Eddie has such pretty blue eyes that I absolutely love ♥

Are you afraid of losing the last person you talked to?
yes.

Is anything bothering you?
not really, other than the fact that I feel weird. I hope I'm not coming down with something.

Is there someone that makes you happy every time you see them?
yes :)

Whens the last time you had a headache?
right now.

Who was the last person you had a conversation with on the phone?
mama bear.

Is there anything that you are craving for right now?
some Korean food. We're getting some tomorrow :D

What are you most anxious/excited for?
the wedding in May!

Are you satisfied with what you currently have in life?
yeah

What were you doing at 7:00 am?
waking up

Last person you kissed?
Eddie

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?
idk like 7-8. I'm on Eddie's BOLC sleeping schedule (but I do not get up at 0450 for PT haha)

Randoms

I cannot figure out for the life of me how to change the background on this blog! I found a really cute layout from The Cutest Blog on the Block and I'm following the instructions but it only sort of works, and I have no idea why!

So far I haven't done much today ha. I went to Starbucks at the PX this morning and decided I would be productive and make lab value note cards (NCLEX stuff), then I decided to go to the other PX to look around. That one is set up much like a Walmart and everything is discounted by at least 20% and non-taxable. They had like a mini Ulta/Sephora (carrying Smashbox, Too Faced, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden & Philosophy stuff, + fragrance and drugstore makeup), they had Bath & Body Works stuff, Coach/Dooney & Burke purses and Vera Bradley! Of course they don't carry EVERYTHING but I thought it was pretty cool that I can get this stuff on post. I wanted to buy a Coach handbag sooooo badly but I still can't afford one at the moment lol.

I went looking for "military pride" things. I ended up just buying this water bottle lol, but I love what it says and I needed a new water bottle anyway haha:



And speaking of other military pride things, my keychain from Just Initials came in:

Honestly, I've seen keychains like this that are made better (and better quality!) than this...this one is just a single piece of fabric with embroidery. I have not, however, found a business with keychains similar to this that make Army-themed ones. Regardless, I still love it!

I also wanted to showcase Melissa's Marvels. She makes really cute custom-made military-themed jewelry! I've been meaning to order a charm bracelet from her, I'm just waiting on $$$. Definitely check her stuff out, though :)

For now I'm just hanging out in Eddie's room until he comes back for his lunch break, whenever that will be :)