So I'm back...

So...I didn't do very well on this in the past year. Not well at all...but, that's okay. I'm back and ready to go. In this past year, we have had a lot of big events in our life, both big and small. We moved across the globe from Italy to Hawaii. Obviously a big event. We are finally getting settled into our house, but I have found that in moving I did not suddenly learn how to decorate. Some wives just seem to have this skill. Where did they get it from? I'm trying to not let it make me feel like less of a military spouse. But, when I keep hearing of these spouses who make there own curtains on every move, are able to get their furniture to fit in any house they live, and are able to unpack in the first weekend I honestly don't know how else to feel. However, I remind myself that I am working, I am volunteering, and I am making hubby happy in many other ways!
Hawaii has offered me the opportunity to FINALLY finish my masters! I am currently interning in a great high school that is so incredibly different than the one I went to. I love it and am so thankful for the experience. It has been challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Its funny the things I am learning that I didn't realize I didn't know. Its always amazing how life works like that.
Running...well, not a whole lot of that has been happening, unfortunately. I have done a little here and there but somewhere in this move I have lost my ability and desire to wake up early and run while it is still cool out. I know its October, but it is still 85 degrees here! I have gotten in a couple night time runs, but I need some motivation and a partner I think. So, I am looking for a 10K to start training for. The marathon is in December, so I know I won't be ready for that in time. I hoping to get back on track soon. Very, very soon!

All is well is our world, but we miss our friends and family. We are excited to be making new friends here, but there is always that original awkwardness when arriving at a new post. There is a new FRG to navigate, spouses to understand, and hubby's job to learn. He is loving it so far but it has been so much more work. Most evenings I am lucky if he is home by 7:00 and typically it is much later. They are gearing up for what we all fear the most, but he is excited. Its funny how every where we go there are always the same rumors and feelings about spouse and the FRG and yet it is always the minority who fit into any of those stereotypes. I want to know why service members tell there spouses these things? I blame them, well partly. The spouses add fuel to the fire, but a new spouse knows nothing that her husband doesn't tell her.

But, I think that is another topic for another day....

New year...new ???

The date: January 12th
Miles ran: hm...about 9 1/2 maybe 12 but not sure I can count the day I ran right after eating tacos and threw up mid run and then had to run another mile and half just to make it back
Goals reached: 0
Perspective: Excited, stressed, fufilled, and ready to take on the world!

So...the year is starting a little slowly for me, but the let me tell you, this won't last for long. For one, I have majorly over committed myself for the next four months. I will be taking 2 classes to prepare to finish my masters program. I am finishing up my class for my financial counselor accreditation program. I will be volunteering to hopefully get about 350 hours worth of internship credit towards this program. I am scouring the schools in Hawaii to find a location for my masters internship next. I am still volunteering with Girl Scouts and my Junior troop of amazing young ladies. I am working full time. And I am tutoring two days a week. Besides this, I need to cram in some travel to finish off my check list of locations to see in Europe as well as keep some kind of a clean house and make sure hubby is fed. And of course find a house in Hawaii, go home in Feb for Jen's wedding (6 days of Chicago bliss here I come!), host my Dad and his girlfriend in April, travel to Garmisch again for our annual adult learning conference for work, and prepare for my spring half marathon.

Whew....that took a lot of work just to get that out. Hope I am not forgetting anything. And if I am, please, please remind me!!!

I am ready, however, to return to ultra organized, super engergized, very active, and a little bit anal rententive Amber from college days of yore. I warned Vince this afternoon. He laughed. I guess he doesn't believe me! We'll see about that! I love a challenge.

But let me say, it couldn't come at a better time. A new year always feels like a great place to start. So the challenges don't seem that foreboding, just inviting, exciting, and promising. And after the incredibly blessed year I have had, I knew it was time to get busy! I mean, after celebrating 3 years of maritial bliss at a circus in Italy, how could I ask for more? Seriously, we did go to a circus. But honestly, it has been an incredible 3 years!

Watch out tomorrow...I'm running towards you head on! And, I have a 4 mile run planned for tomorrow, what luck!