A Balancing Act

Absentee

2009-11-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

Haven't been blogging much lately...
I've been spending my free time,
designing my nephews' Christmas gifts.
(I don't know if my sister-in-law reads this,
but if you do, well you're about the spoil the surprise...)
~
When my first nephew was born,
we searched high and low for a plush jet.
We settled for a generic one.
With nephew #2, (sweet boy),
we really wanted a jet.
Couldn't find one....
so... I made one.
Yes, I am crazy.
And think that I can do things.
But this time it worked!
~
We call this one Charlie because
he is the third generation.
(Alpha was made of paper and a lot of pins,
Bravo was some old cheap felt.)
~

"I was inverted..."From the back

Under the nose

We call him Charlie

I should note.
I'm keeping this one.
My nephews' will be made with softer colors.
~
Whatdya think?

I Knew Her first!!

2009-11-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Congrats to a sweet friend

(who I featured first!)

for being featured in

Fantabulously Frugal's

Holiday Gift Guide.

So excited for you, Alli at HoorayDesign!

Sunday Funnies ~ Halloween Edition

2009-10-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

All Grown-Up

2009-10-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

Most of the time I don't feel my age.

Most of the time I feel too young to be considering

the idea of parenting someone else.

I just feel young. Most of the time.

But thanks to my military connection,

sometimes I feel very, very grown-up.

Almost too grown-up.

At my age, Is it normal to have lost a friend in a "routine" task?

Is it normal to have to quiet myself to sleep

when I think of my husband doing the same thing day after day?

Is it normal to think of my peers, and the spouses of my peers,

thrusting themselves into the arms of war?

Is it normal to feel part of a group that risks its very life,

everyday, whether stateside or abroad?

Is it normal to feel so heartbroken for my comrades?

For my sisters-in-arms?

When I am reminded of the tragedy, the fragility of our lives,

the companionship I've gained with people

who have helped me say good-bye to others...

When I think of what my husband has heard

while flying over hostile territory,

of what he's done, of what we've all persevered....

Those are the moments I feel uncomfortably, and sufficiently,

Grown-Up.

Prayers for the Navy, Marine Corps,

and Coast Guard families, stateside and abroad,

who have experienced too much tragedy this week.

Treat Yourself ~ Help the Homefront

2009-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Want a simple way to help
deployed and wounded service members
and their families?

Grab one of the buttons I created
for Operation Homefront
Hampton Roads.

We've made it easy to donate,
by just texting PATRIOT to 90999.
$5 will be added to your phone bill.
So donors can sit back with a latté and
know that they have done something
for those who sacrifice for us everyday.
(Come read more at the blog:
operationhomfronthamptonroads.blogspot.com)
~
Grab a button,
and spread the word! :)

Sunday Funnies ~ ViewsDay Edition

2009-10-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Friday Favorites - Scandinavian Designs

2009-10-23T05:40:00.001-07:00

It all started when I read the Kirsten books from American Girl.

I felt just like her. A Swedish girl far from home...

Except I was a Coast Guard brat, not an immigrant.

Still, as she held on to her roots,

I discovered mine.

I haven't let go after all these years.

Now I make St. Lucia buns and Grogg

on December 13th.

Fortunately, Hubby embraces it too.

I've been redesigning my office.

(Pictures coming soon...)

and it's really helped me embrace

designs and styles that I love.

Not ones that look nice in the home,

or ones that Hubby and I like,

but ones that inspire me, just me.

And I'm delighted to discover it's very Scandinavian.

With the help of Alli at Hooray,

I've stumbled upon some examples.

This plate from Nina in Vorm's site kind of sums it up for me.

It's a mix of what my great-grandmother would have had

and what I want my children's rooms to look like.

Well clearly I need to own these Moomin books!

Isn't that just... ideal?

My new design involves

fabric swatches.

I would love these FinnStyle ones.

Taking it to the next level...

2009-10-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

When our guys in Naval Aviation leave,

we tend to make more 6x6 squares

than we would care to count,

to fill their ready room with pics and momentos of home.

This gallery in NY takes 6x6 squares to a new level.

I am ashamed...

You take and take and take...

2009-10-19T06:03:00.001-07:00

You make my Hubby work late.

You take him on deployments.

You ensure he studies late into the night

and on weekends.

You haul me and my belongings

all over the country, often with little warning.

You teach Hubby to do scary things in his plane.

You give me heartburn.

And now this weekend...

You wake me early,

take me out in the cold, wet weather,

and enlist my services to sell t-shirts and patches

to fiercely dedicated air show attendees.

So... as it turns out,

you don't always make my life very cozy,

but at the end of the day,

We love you enough to stick around...

Friday Favorites - 96, 72, 48, I'll take it...

2009-10-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Columbus Day.

This weekend is the air show.

Hubby has had much of the weekend

margins off! :)

I'm suspicious~ I think the

Navy is just teasing me.

There will be paybacks, I'm sure.

But every day that I get to work upstairs

with one hunk of a jet pilot downstairs... I'll take it!

With the onset of cold weather, and the Hubs home,

there are a few "treats" that make life feel luxurious!

I picked this flatbread from Trader Joe's last night.

Hubby was home at a decent hour! (Woo!)

but I had some work to do so I wanted something quick.

Oh my! This was SO yummy and perfect with robust red wine.

(Thank you, One Food Guy for the pic!)

This morning, I rolled over and turned on

BBC WorldService on the XM.

*sigh* It was truly a luxury.

And it gave us a great topic of conversation.

(In this case, Preschool options for my

future little ducklings.)

Okay, well if Starbucks served their Apple Spice

like this, it would be even more decadent.

Still, there's something about apple cider each autumn

that just feels so warm and tender.

What are your little "luxuries"?

Whose War?

2009-10-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

I was upstairs working on a project;

Hubby informed me I should tune into PBS.

I watched, with half-attention,

but was quickly pulled in, with video

straight out of the "Frontline."

Fifteen minutes in,

I ran downstairs, hugged him tightly

and wet his shoulder with tears.

"I don't understand how this is your world!"

The show was such a raw look at the danger

and reality that is his everyday.

I guess I get "used to it."

Of course, he watched with the same intent

that our veterans watch documentaries

on Vietnam or World War II.

It was a mix of pride, passion,

longing and empathy.

Obama might be in charge right now.

Obama may have to make the DC decisions,

but I'm slowly understanding... even this long

after the last deployment, that it's not his war,

it's OUR war.

Happy Birthday, Navy!

2009-10-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

From @NavyTimes: If Navy Heroes Had Tweeted

What Would You Say Ya DO Here?

2009-10-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a lucky gal.

My hubby, admittedly,

has viewed my work as a full-time,

legitimate, recognized JOB.

I, on the other hand, have a hard time

seeing it so officially.

I know. I know. I know.

Preach away.

I know it's a real job.

I know the paycheck is important.

I know I AM using my degree

and building a career is the goal.

I know.

But there are little moments,

when he HAS to get to work

and the laundry HAS to get done,

those are the moments my job feels

a bit more... domestic.

So here is run-down of what I did yesterday.

Scheduled a conference call with possible grant client.

Created a widget for Operation Homefront Hampton Roads'

latest fundraising effort.

Developed a blog and post idea for OHHR.

Communicated with OHHR about a new press release.

Brainstormed for another grant client about a spring fundraiser.

Wrote an article for Demand Studios about grants for dependents.

Outlined an article about linguistics research methodology.

Searched through the freelance listings for the day.

Got the referral of another potential client.

(Oh and I roasted a chicken and made stock...

just to keep it real.)

Wednesday Warrior Salute - Small Acts

2009-10-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

I couldn't agree more!It's the small things...it's mowing the lawn,it's hauling in groceries,it's a hug and a smile,it's a dinner or a coffee...Usually we figure out the big stuff,and when we can't there are great groupsready to step up and help out,but sometimes we're just alone, and tired, and sniffly,and it's just the little things that say "It'll be alright."~
Just a reminder~Remember the Laptops for Flat Tops Program?They are doing it again this month!Check them out at All American Direct! Thanks All American for this small act! :)

Friday Favorites - Tea for Two

2009-10-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

I love tea!

And I love teapots...

(anyone who has been to my house...

have you noticed the teapot collection

above my kitchen cabinets?)

So when I found these in Better Homes and Gardens

my heart skipped a beat.

How adorable is that?

It's the Tea for One set

from the English Tea Store!

And it's only $6.95.

(And for free shipping,

there's a promo code: BHGpromo)

I've been looking for something

for water on our bedside table.

I think this will be it!

Too cute!

This site is just FULL of the sweetest gifts...

The Poinsetta Tea for Two set

looks straight out of a Swedish tale.

And the teapot garden! Are you kidding??

(*cough* Christmas *cough*)

Navy/Air Force this Fine Fall Weekend!

Hate to say it AF friends (Alli)...

but

FLY NAVY!

Give, not Get

2009-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

I had an unfortunate conversation

with a telemarketer yesterday.

I thought about calling his employer out,

but soon remembered the great non-profits

I have the privilege of working with and

decided that I hated to see this one suffer

at the hands of an unprofessional solicitor.

Now let me start off saying,

I believe passionately in professionalism,

although I myself have broken my own rules

under the weight of emotions and selfishness.

It happens.

That being said...

this guy called in the middle of my "Me" time

when I was fluttering around my kitchen,

savoring my quiet, productive cooking.

Some have yoga studios, I have my kitchen.

He interrupted that with the annoying kind

of solicitation that demands how much I plan to give.

He says this after *ONE* sentence describing the org.

which I can only describe as a knock-off

of a HUGE national non-profit.

I politely told him I wasn't interested.

He told me I don't have to give now

and they have levels of support.

I assured him that "our money goes elsewhere."

(Because it does...)

... and he Hung Up On Me!...

Since when does generosity toward other organizations

and my not being inspired mean you should be rude.

And then I realized.

He lost the vision!

He works for a group that gives,

but he's focused on the "gets."

It's given me a renewed energy.

With every amazing group for whom I write grants,

I need to remember WHY they do what they do

and that the money should be aiding that,

not ensuring it.

It's about Giving, Not Getting!

Center Stage -Alli with Hooray

2009-09-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

Alli and I met at a mutual friend's bridal shower this past spring. I didn't know very many people and was bonding with my blackberry (deployed hubby had decent internet... finally), until it was time to make recipe pages for our friend. Perfecting those paper crafts, Alli and I bonded. As it turned out, she's a military wife too with her own design business. Her husband is in the Air Force Reserves and her business, Hooray, consists of a fabulous Etsy site and an adorable blog. She also does event planning. (And I don't think she knows this yet, but she will be designing my future infant's nursery.)

So Alli, what is your Job:
In a word: Designer. Also add Homemaker/Wife. (And someday - if we are blessed with children - Mother.) But as far as design goes, I like to design anything from parties to home interiors, to product packaging + shop concepts. I'm currently focusing on designing for parties/events (with a friend), and for my online paper shop, Hooray.

Describe your three ring circus.

One husband, two crazy cats (they get into everything and have already trained us for kids), and a trusty cactus (plants don't survive well in our household. Did I mention the two crazy cats?). Also, one paper-crazed studio.

How did you decide to work with design/event planning?
It was kind of a natural progression. Growing up I wanted to be an architect or interior designer - I kept binders with all of the house plans I'd draw and magazine pictures I'd save of home interiors. I liked doing anything creative... drawing, crafts, etc. I ended up getting a degree in Hospitality Management. Planning my wedding made me realize I wanted to use my creative interests to plan parties and events.

Where do you get your inspiration?
-Blogs! And magazines, books, shops, and movies are all daily inspiration.
-Places (anything from a charming village to a trendy city like New York or London), and Swedish design and lifestyle - they seem to combine great design with everyday lifestyles effortlessly.
-People like Martha Stewart (this woman seriously makes me want to do everything) and actress/singer Zooey Deschanel (she has adorable style and spirit).
-My husband. He's been to some amazing places through the military, so he has great stories + ideas, and always takes awesome pictures for me.

What is your Top Tip for Balancing life?

First, you have to determine what exactly "balance" means to you (see what it means to me below). And don't hesitate to ask for help, even for little things. Your husband is receiving help and support while he's off fulfilling his duties, and you should be entitled to the same.

What does "Balance" mean to you?
Faith first, family second, career third. Life mixed in there somewhere, too.

Biggest Hurdle in reaching your career/domestic goals:
Myself! Trying to decide just what to focus on and when.

How has military life impacted your personal goals?

It's actually kept me in check. I know we can't up and move to Europe for a year or two on a whim, even though I'd love to. And seeing my husband's dedication and focus for the military (in addition to his day-job as an engineer) has made me want to focus on my own goals all the more.

After a long week at work, how do you like to indulge?
Move night: we either go to the theater, or stay in, grab a snack, and steal extra pillows and blankets from the guest room. By the end of it, both cats are usually cozied up with us, too.

What's your favorite article of clothing?
During the last deployment: my husband's training t-shirts, because they smelled like him.
Currently, I have a lot of pretty dresses, but ultimately it's my fuzzy lined hoody that makes it through the wash the most.

I can really relate to the t-shirts. I always do that. Last deployment, someone gave me the idea to put one of the shirts over a pillow. The perfect thing to snuggle with at night!

Well, thank you Alli for participating in Center Stage. Is there anything else you want to add?
Try to do something small for yourself everyday. Even if it's 10 minutes with a cup of tea and your favorite blanket.

With that kind of inspiration,

don't you feel like shouting "Hooray!"

Check out Alli's blog and

peruse her Hooray Design shop.

See something you just love?

Enter "Hooray for Military"

in the comment section of checkout

and Alli will refund your shipping costs!

Hooray!

CSA Week 20

2009-09-27T06:58:00.001-07:00

Week 19~

Green beans, pumpkin, butternut squash,

eggplant, potatoes, peppers, cucumber, leeks

I'm a very sentimental person.

I hate when things end.

I used to cry on the last day of school,

and if it weren't for the coming of autumn,

I would have cried yesterday when I picked this up.

No more CSA pick ups for 2009.

I will miss them.

I would have loved these all summer.

Green beans are one of my favorite veggies.

These will make an appearance all week long.

*snap* *snap*

I think the eggplant and butternut squash are friends.

Goodbye, Summer. It's been great!

Hello, Autumn. What fun do you have for me?

CSA Week 19

2009-09-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

More yellow squash, asian cucumbers,

winter squash, peppers, eggplant, potatoes,

leeks, tomatoes and parsley.

I loved how sweet these potatoes looked.

I love how these taste,

but I almost love how they look

sitting on my counter more.

Eggplant parmesan?

Love how this tastes in Middle Eastern- inspired snacks,

but I made a creamy, potato and leek soup

and added parsley. The flavor was so different

and complementary. Food is amazing.

CSA Week 18

2009-09-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Week 18.

I'll admit it, I'm a little tired

of the summer squash.

I love it, but I'm tired of it.

More peppers, 2 eggplants!,

watermelon, summer squash, tomatoes,

winter/acorn squash, cucumbers.

Look at this strange asian cucumbers.

Love the variety!

Winter squash is here.

These became a creamy soup

that was sweet, like a chowder or creamed corn.

Very satisfying flavor.

CSA Week 17

2009-09-27T06:26:00.001-07:00

Let's see who should I blame

for being so behind on CSA blogs.

Work,

the camera,

are you buying any of this?

Okay... I just kept forgetting...

Alas.

Week 17 was full of tasty treats.

Parsley, a variety of peppers, potatoes,

eggplant, tomatoes, yellow squash and melon.

This watermelon was so small and full of seeds,

but the perfect snack on late summer, hot days.

We adore Middle Eastern appetizers and mezzas

like Tabouleh and Hummus.

That's where parsley usually ends up at our house.

This went into a salad with cucumers, lemon juice

and goat cheese! Yum!

I've never really worked with eggplant until now,

but I'm having fun with it.

Any favorite recipes?

Friday Favorites - MMmmmm.... Snacks

2009-09-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Pro (and Con) of working from home:

Snacks!

(Of course it never stopped me

at the newspaper either... or in college)

Wasabi peas!

So yummy!

They have a bit of a bite

from the wasabi, but

it's not terribly overwhelming.

It just slows down the munching!

And that can't be a bad thing

when it comes to snacking...

Photo from www.traderjoesfan.com

My new favorite cereal.

I've been obsessed with granola-type

items since I could chew.

Bar-form, cereal-form, you name it.

This cereal is a bit sugary,

but perfect for when I have a sweet tooth.

It's a much better alternative than

the ice cream in my freezer.

Photo from www.viewpoints.com

Yes, they're both from Trader Joe's.

I may need to join a support group.

:)

2009-09-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Punctuation Day to You!

I'm a linguist.

Or at least, I was a linguistic major

and carry the title with me to this day.

We're a free-loving bunch.

Blame it on the 1960's history of my beloved Berkeley,

but nevertheless, we linguists care less for the rules,

and more for the why behind them.

Make a grammatical "mistake" in front of me,

I dare you.

Oh, I won't correct you; I'll just ask you to say it again

and try desperately to figure out why you did that.

It's an obsession.

Still, I do love Punctuation.

How can a little smudge of ink

mean so much.

. means "Let's take a deep breath."

, means "Catch your breath fast

'cuz here we go."

; means "Take a swig of water if you need,

but we're not stopping."

: means "Have I got news for you!"

' means "There was somethin' here,

but I'm too lazy t' include it."

Just a smudge o' ink makes all the

linguistic difference.

Amazing

ViewsDay Tuesday - Meetings

2009-09-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

Exhibit A:
Me: Honey How was your meeting today?
Him: Productive. JoeFighterPilot told a great joke.
Me: Good.
~
Exhibit B:
Him: How was wives' club?
Me: Well. That's a whole lot of estrogen!
But no one cried, no one yelled, no one stormed out.
And we made a decision! So I would say it was productive.
Him: Good.

Navy Issued

2009-09-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

Growing up,

I hated how far away

my extended family was.

They all did grandma/aunt/cousin

fun things and holidays.

And we were just so far away!

But even back then,

I knew how lucky I was to have

such amazing family friends

wherever we lived.

These were the people with whom

we shared holidays and special events.

They were godparents and role models

and, frankly, family.

This week, I was reminded of this little blessing.

It can be hard to be so away from family,

to feel out of the loop.

But it's such a joy to share life

with our Navy Issued Family.

I hate that I miss my nephews' and cousins' milestones,

but I love that I get to feed grapes to a friend's infant,

and caress another's baby when she has fever,

and sing "Anchor's Away" with friends and their kids

at the outdoor symphony.

(By the way, I sang "Semper Paratus" too... alone.)

I hate that I don't get to know my extended family

as well as I would if we all lived in the same town,

but I love that I have gotten to know such amazing people

and that I get to watch their lives unfold right here.