Not much again today

I guess that is a good thing. Kinda of another low key day. We got up this morning and have gotten into a routine of sitting on the back porch and watching the humming birds. We have this one little female that has claimed every feeder in the backyard. The male comes down and tries to eat and she swoops and buzzes around and chases him off. It is quite amusing. Now there is also a beautiful golden finch that has been frequenting the feeders also. This afternoon I went swimming at the pool to get some sun and exercise. I got to see the person who first gave me a job when I was 15 years old. I tell you what, she looks just like I remember. I was a lifeguard for 10 years, what a great summer job! No real thoughts of any sort the last 2 days. It's kinda nice to just be. Anyways, going to watch a movie tonite.

Well, I just finished my walk for today. I'm doing pretty well with the exercising finally! Mom and I stopped by the Pilates center of Corpus Christi that was on the walk and we are thinking about taking some started sessions. Sounds different and I've heard it works really well. Yesterday was completely lazy. Went to church in the morning. Slept in the afternoon. Got up and watched 2 movies. Went to bed. I can't be that way today. I could see myself getting into that routine if I'm not careful. Luckily I have too much stuff to get done everyday. Alright, off to train the dogs for a bit.

I'm finished being Reclusive :)

Well, I know it's been a while. I have had a lot to process since 13 April. I'm feeling pretty good about the way everything went. I doesn't change anything, but at least I've heard it from the Army that it wasn't their fault. I know that probably doesn't make sense to some of you, but it is something I needed to hear. I talked to Grace a couple of weeks ago and she said something very poingnant. But of course if you know her, you know what a wise woman she is. She said we have to learn to live with the absence of Dave. That more than anything makes so much sense to me. Not forgotten, just not there like we know it anymore. I struggle each day (some harder than others) to live without my papa. However, I think the Lord is making it easier every day. Well, Bella is continuing her training and it is if I may brag going very well......she is a very disciplined student and fast learner! Papa would be so proud. To date she can sit, lay, drop it, leave it, and stop barking on command. She had her 3rd class yesterday. 2 new dogs joined our class, and one of the other mother's commented on how well she was doing and what a fast little learner she was. I'm thinking in my head of course....this is NOT my dog!!!!! But who know maybe it is. She is also doing better at home (at least if rewards are involved). The trainer talks about a neighbor of hers sometimes in class that has 2 schnauzers that are so poorly behaved and just always bark, bark, bark. I finally had to ask her last night if it was me :) She said no, thank goodness! Health wise I'm starting my workout regime. I'm sore as anything right now and of course the dogs want to lay on my stomach every morning in bed to get there loves and kisses. Hopefully, that will be back to less painful soon. Mom and I are walking and I 'm also doing the Bosu Balance Trainer. I'm going to through in swimming next week, just because I'm so darn white. I've even got Nick lifting weights with me which I think he enjoys. As for new trips I'm going to go to Washington DC at the end of May. They have a seminar for survivors of military death over Memorial Day which includes all the celebrations at Arlington on Memorial Day and much, much more. A friend of mine is going and we are going to meet there. I'm really excited about going and think that it will be very helpful now and in the future. I guess that is about it for now. I'm off to walk with mom.

It's finally here

Took my in laws to the beach yesterday. Man was it windy!!!! Bella and I did a little running into the wind, but I don't think either one of us made it to more than a quick walk. It must have been blowing 40-50mph constant out there. Anyways, we let the dogs run around a bit and took a drive. Bella started school on Thursday night at petsmart and is now in the training mind at home too (I wish). The trainer at school really came down on her for growling and barking. She listened to. She looked at her, then layed down with a really sulky look on her face. We are working at it and she at least acknowledges me when I say her name, even if she is really interested in what she is doing at the moment. The trainer said that if she acts really good at the class and not so good at home it is really the sign of an intelligent and trainable dog because they know where they can get away with stuff. I am working on being consistent right now. Well, today is the day I have waited for, for the past 5 months and 3 days. I get my brief. If you read this before 3pm say a little prayer for me to be strong and keep it together. I need that today. I may not be on after for a little while, just gonna have to see how I feel.

Bella is Searching for her Prince

Anniversary

Today is Dave and my 3rd anniversary. I'm feeling a little sad today, even though we usually never did anything very special. He would usually end up washing the cars and then we would go to dinner. So in honor of him I'm washing the new RV and going to give a nice hand wax. I just finished washing and I have to say I may pay someone next time.....hehehe. I'm going to wait to wash the top until my folks get home. I'm a little afraid I'll get up there and fall off or go thru the roof, even though they told me I wouldn't. At least then I will have a witness and someone to call for help :) My sister-in-law gave us tickets to the taste of Corpus Christi for tonite. All of the really nice restaurants get together at the aquarium and serve tidbits of their menus. It sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure I will enjoy it. I'll take my camera to take some pics. Other than that, still getting ready for Sunday both physically and mentally. I'm having a little trouble sleeping at night, hopefully I will get over that soon.

WE HAVE WHEELS!!!!

I went to help my friend set up for the party yesterday and of course right when she needed me the most I had to split for a while. My car finally arrived and I went to the Sam's Club parking lot to pick it up. It looks just the way I left it at the shipping center. No damage. A little dirt, but I will do some car love today and fix that right up. I'm just soooo glad to have my car. The graduation party was a hit and lasted half the night. Well, I'm up and ready to start my day.

Pictures from the trip

AZ landscape....these cacti only grow one place in the world.

Boothill Cemetery
These are the men who died at the shootout at the OK Corral.

Tombstone, AZ

Bella at the dunes, California. There is something to be said for sand dunes without the water. The car doesn't smell like dog funk when they don't get wet, like at the beach.

To Infinity and Beyond!!!!!

Leah at the dunes in California.

1st night. We have some sleeping arrangements to discuss.

Our new dog house :)

Ooohhh Papa, I see something I want over there.
Bella and Leah buying fleas at the market.

Our new Italian jogging suits we got at the market.

Grandma and the girls

Bella thinks she is a cat. Seriously she lays up there because she can see out the window and she always has to know what is going on.

Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ

We're not spoiled.

Breath taking view of White Sand, N.M.

White Sands, New Mexico

Leah had a great time!

Push harder Nick! We were attempting to sled down the side of the dune.

Can I drive yet?

My poor mom smelled like Bella butt the whole trip!
It must be a security thing. As long as I can feel you I know you are there.
We are thinking about making a perfume.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.
Amazing what the Lord has created.

I think the desert is beautiful!

Just a side note. I found my camera in the truck. It is nippy out tonite. I am in TX right?

The Schnitzel Sisters New Home

Hey everyone. We made it back from AZ unscathed. The trip was wonderfully relaxing and I very much enjoyed not being connected to anything for a few weeks. I really needy that. I have come back with renewed energy, however, as soon as I got home it is business as usual and I feel like a need another vacation very soon....:) So my trip. The desert was in bloom all the way thru New Mexico and Arizona. Who could have ever though cacti could be so pretty. Not much grass, but the mountains are gorgeous, especially during the sunset when they completely surround you. NO HUMIDITY!!!!! I didn't have to blow dry my hair or use the curling iron. The temperatures were in the 80's during the day and 50-70 at night. I could definitely live in AZ for a while. Speaking of living somewhere, I have decided that C.C., TX is probable not going to be a permanent thing. I don't know when, but I'm going to start some travel nursing and find out where the Lord wants to plant me. It of course will be at least a year before that happens, but at least it is a plan (until I change my mind). I traveled nursed before Dave and I met and actually was on assignment in Tennessee when I met him. I liked TN. So you ask, what about all your stuff? How will you move from place to place? Well, the Schnitzel Sisters have a new home! In AZ we traded in our 13ft. camper and I bought a 31 foot travel trailer complete with bedroom, bathroom, shower, dinette area, couch, and full kitchen. I'm pretty excited about it. It's brand new and of course needs a little love of my own, but I think it will be quite nice. The dogs seem to like it also (at least the couch and bed). Will it be hard for people to visit? Actually it can sleep 6. I'm being an insomniac right now (and for the past few nights) so I'm probably a little wired. Back to the trip.....we went to the dunes out in California. Did an awesome jet boat trip down the Colorado River. Shopped in Mexico. And just kicked back and did as much or little as I wanted. On the way home, we stopped in Tombstone for a day and then went to Ft. Huachuca. Had dinner with Jackie, John, Kurt, and Dolores. It was really nice to have familiar faces from Italy/Germany around. It was nice to be an ARMY wife again.....even if only for an evening! So we arrived on Tuesday evening pulling this trailer, which went fine, but is definitely different that pulling a camper. Compared to everyone else in the RV park in AZ, I thought the trailer was still small. Of course when we got it home we realized just how big it really is. It fits in the drive way with inches to spare. My dad is getting pretty good at backing it in, but he hates doing it. We have been building a fence the past three days to keep it protected. I can't believe I can't sleep. Physically, my body is exhausted. Anyways, we are now getting ready for Max and Nancy to come here to TX next weekend. I have officially received notice that the brief will be next weekend. I looking forward to putting some of these things behind me and not having to wonder and ponder all the time about what happened. Hopefully, I will get the answers I need to put some of my feelings to rest. So now, we are busy preparing for Max and Nancy's arrival. I must say, I can't wait till they get here. We had such a wonderful time. Tomorrow I'm going to a graduation party for a friend of mine who is now a nurse. I made my dip tonite, which is probably good because I have a few things I need to do in the morning. They are going to have a margarita machine......woohoo. Alright, I think that is all for now. I will go look for my camera and try and get some pictures of the trip and new toys up. Ciao for now.