Productivity.

My new favorite picture of the loves of my life

 (having fun at our church military family bbq/pool party yesterday)

There's not much I love more than a day that I accomplish everything that I set out to do--and more!  Today has been one of those days.  It's been a busy day!  Justin was home for a few days (Thursday-Sunday) and then left before 4 a.m. today to go back to the Ike-a-traz, where he'll be floating around for the next 10 days or so...I had a "list" of things to do today, and while I won't bore you with the details of all of it--I thought I'd share a picture post of my accomplishments :)  In no particular order...

I weed-eated our backyard...Trust me this was much needed!

"Poor man copyrighted" a copy of the finished cd by The Conspiracy Of.

Mailed this huge box and got it out of my entry way.

Blew kisses to Justin via email.

How much sweeter can a little girl get?

Ok, so it may not seem like much in pictures...but some stuff (like making appointments for Alana's school physical, etc) can't be captured on film!  Throw in some studying for a Word test tomorrow and opening an account at the House of Video and you have a full day.  HAHAHA!

Peace, Love and check out my donation button. XO

Unbreakable.

This is kind of an addendum to my previous post.  I love the band Fireflight.  I listen to their music often, when driving in the car and even on the treadmill.  But yesterday morning as I drove to school I was listening in a different way.  I actually heard what Dawn was saying...I'm gonna post the lyrics to the entire song here, but it was the 2nd verse and the bridge part that got me most!  (and p.s. this song has been the ringtone on my phone since I got it)

Unbreakable by Fireflight

Where are the people that accused me?

The ones who beat me down and bruised me

They hide just out of sight

Can't face me in the light

They'll return but I'll be stronger

God, I want to dream again

Take me where I've never been

I want to go there

This time I'm not scared

Now I am unbreakable, it's unmistakable

No one can touch me

Nothing can stop me

Sometimes it's hard to just keep going

But faith is moving without knowing

Can I trust what I can't see

To reach my destiny

I want to take control but I know better

Forget the fear it's just a crutch

That tries to hold you back

And turn your dreams to dust

All you need to do is just trust

Peace, love and Fireflight is the coolest band (ok, tied with RK)

Be Still...

I have made it no secret that I have a tendency to worry about things.  I don't like to think that I am a negative person, but while doing some reading this week I have come to the realization that it's the way I think that is negative.  Instead of thinking of those things that I really wish would happen, I spend countless moments hoping that the opposite doesn't come to pass.  There have been a lot of these thoughts lately.  I have been consumed with stress over school--my school and Alana's.  I have had to rework my schedule to better suit our Justin-less home and that caused me more grief than you can imagine.  In listening to me cry (pretty much for an entire day), my mom said "Allison, sometimes we just have to be still."  And boy was she right!  I have been going nonstop, even when I am physically just sitting...or trying to sleep at night, my brain is going a million miles a minute, thinking about all the things I have to get done still and how I'm going to manage everything on my own.  The truth is, there is no way I can manage everything on my own...Then I ran across this verse tonight:

"God will fight the battle for you.  And you?  You keep your mouth shut!"  - Exodus 14:14 (The Message)

Once I decided to take my mom's advice and "be still"...things have started to show themselves to me.  Something big that I was worried about at school was somewhat lifted today by a simple conversation with my teacher.  Then, I got an unexpected call to become more involved in church...and with that, the return of the comfort knowing that I have another family here.

Be still.

I love you, Mom. xo

Be Smart, Do your Part.

I'm not here to preach.  I'm not here to get all deep.  But I am here...so I feel like I need to say something!  Do not let the media, particularly Hollywood, sway your votes this election.  They do not make up the REAL world.  I feel really strongly about this election, more than ever before...I do not care if our President is white/black, male/female...What I do care is that our decisions are based on substance, not on empty promises...I don't want a President that is going to charm me.  I want a President that is going to make our country what it needs to be.

Here's some interesting data just received on taxes:

Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 election...

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN

0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples)...does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA

28% on profit from ALL home sales

(If you sell your home and make a profit you will pay 28% of your gain in taxes)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN

15% (no change)

OBAMA

39.6%

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes)

Single making 30K - tax $4500

Single making 50K - tax $12,500

Single making 75K - tax $18,750

Married making 60K - tax $9000

Married making 75K - tax $18750

Married making 125K - tax $31250

OBAMA

Single making 30K - tax $8400

Single making 50K - tax $14000

Single making 75K - tax 23250

Married making 60K - tax 16800

Married making 75K - tax 21000

Married making 125K - tax 38750

Under Obama, your taxes will more than double.

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN 0%

OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax

NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA:

 

* New government taxes proposed on homes more than 2400 square feet.

* New gasoline taxes (because they aren't high enough already)

*New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating, gas, water, electricity)

*New taxes on retirement accounts

and last but not least...

*New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as that of third-world countries.

All I can say is spread the word...

Be smart, and do your part!  

If you are not registered to vote, you can click on the link on the top of my blog to make it happen.  

TMJ

For those of you who have been asking, I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with having TMJ.  In other words, my jaw is messed up :)  I have to go to the dentist later this month, but in the meantime he gave me some medicine that helps with the stiffness...basically a glorified version of ibuprofen.  It feels a million times better, though not normal.  

Thanks for all of the concern...I feel so loved :)

I've been Warped.

Here it is, for all of you "inquiring minds"!  I tried to post this yesterday, but blogger didn't like me...it didn't surprise me, and fit in quite well with the rest of my day.  Today, however, I am on a new mission.  Life happens, and it can't beat me.  Whatever that means.  Tuesday went a little something like this, though...I guess I'll call this "How to spend a Day at the Warped Tour".

1. Get text from Jon saying the set is at 5:45.  (Not what we wanted to hear).

2. Put on your cutest new outfit and go anyway.

3. Drive around aimlessly for what seems like forever, until you find your brother standing on the corner with his skateboard (apparently getting holla-ed at by passers by).

4. Eat lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings.

5. Go to the mall to kill time until signing...this includes looking at rad Oakleys AND riding the carousel with Uncle Jonny...

6. Meet up with Daddy, who we haven't seen for over a week.

7. Fake sleep on the RK bus.

8. Watch Uncle Jonny rock out on stage.

9. Well, she TRIED to watch him, but only made it through the first song.

10. Refuel on the 3lb box of Cheez-Its on the bus.

Cheese.

11. Learn to skate from the coolest uncle ever.

12. Watch Angels and Airwaves.

13. Dream about Chick Fil-A.

Ok, enough with the pictures, Mommy!

Wow, so that was a long list.  If I numbered them wrong, sue me.  We had a great time at the Warped Tour.  Yes, I took Alana...I was the one out there with the 4 year old jamming out to Gym Class Heroes.  It's always fun to hang with Jonathan, and this time was no exception.  I played hooky from school, and it was every bit of worth it!  There's so much more I could say, but I spent 5 hours today on a computer (I've officially switched to days)...so I am outta here!

The Pain!

Despite the obvious pain of leaving Nashville tomorrow...I am in tremendous pain physically.  I don't know what's going on, but I have had pain in my jaw for almost a week now.  Today it got pretty extreme.  I'm gonna have to go to the doctor when I get home if it's not better!  I've tried taking ibuprofen, ice, heat...none of it has helped.  Yeah, it's always kinda sad having to leave my mom...but at the same time it'll be nice to get back into the swing of things.  Justin has duty tomorrow, so I won't get to see him til Tuesday :(  Guess what else happens on Tuesday?  The Warped Tour hits VA Beach!  Let's hope RK plays during the early hours, because I have school that night.  Here's to a pain-free night!

Chattanooga Trip

I will give a "long story shorter" version of our mini-vacation and let the slideshow tell the rest.  We had an amazing time in Chattanooga.  It started out as a business trip for my mom and ended up being filled with unexpected fun!  We went with tickets for the Tennessee Aquarium in hand, but when we arrived at our hotel, I looked out the window and saw a baseball stadium across the street.  I am not a huge sports fan, but as you know I love to go see baseball games!  I did my research and found out that there was a game last night, so we added that to our itinerary.  While my mom was at her meeting, Alana and I decided to venture out on a walk through downtown Chattanooga, and lo and behold, there was a rad children's museum right next door to our hotel, too!  I think we were in heaven!  We spent a couple hours there while my mom worked.  Then it was back to the hotel for a quick swim in the indoor pool (for Alana and my mom, anyway) and then to see the Chattanooga Lookouts play ball!  This morning we woke up and walked to the aquarium...I really like the city.  It was a bit overcast when we first ventured out, but turned out to be a beautiful day.  I didn't get to take many pictures of the scenery outside...but I threw in a couple of "drive by" pictures of the most lovely Nickajack Lake on our way back to Nashville...keep in mind, I was in the car traveling at 70 mph.  One of the highlights of the aquarium (for me at least) were the penguins--they were showing off something fierce, and yes those are real pictures I took of them.  Then there was the butterfly garden.  Alana flipped for that!  I have never seen so many butterflies in my life!  Wow, there's so much I could tell...but just watch the video and see for yourself.  (A few of the pictures are pre-Chattanooga, but they are all from our visit here).  Enjoy!

"Gunshot Kills Sailor Aboard Roosevelt"

That's what the headline says, followed by this article...

The US Navy says it is investigating the shooting death of a sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in port in Virginia.  

The incident took place Tuesday night while the ship was docked at the Norfolk Naval Station, The Daily Press reported.

The victim's name was not immediately released and it was not known if the shooting was accidental or intentional.  The Navy told The Virginian-Pilot that no details of the incident would be released for the time being.

This is what I say...

Is this somehow supposed to make me feel better about my husband leaving?  I woke up to find this article in my gmail inbox.  It's quite disheartening.  This happened 1/2 mile from my house.  Justin's ship will be there soon.  My heart hurts for the family of this sailor...Other that that, I'm kind of at a loss for words--and that doesn't happen too often!

People are Nuts!

Just when I thought more random things couldn't happen to me...I went to Logan's with my friend Deborah last night.  I beat her there by about 5 minutes, and while I was waiting two older men who had quite obviously spent Happy Hour at the bar were leaving.  One of them stopped to harass the hostess by telling her he "needed a table for 47".  As if this wasn't strange enough, I felt something hit me.  I looked up and the other guy was pelting me (not tossing gently by any means) with peanuts.  The hostess quickly grabbed me and seated me, almost as if this has happened before.  

I was in a state of shock still when Deborah arrived, but we managed to have a laugh over it.  It was nice that we got to hang out...And she said she was totally telling Wilda (her mom) that she made my blog :)  

Tomorrow morning we are heading to Chattanooga!  My mom has business there, but we thought it'd be fun to tag along and hit up the massive aquarium that they have.  I am quite excited, because for those of you who don't know Chattanooga is BE-A-Utiful (in the words of Bruce Almighty).  I'll be sure to post pictures!

It's Jesse!

Holy ravioli!  DeAnna picked Jesse!  I remember saying a few weeks ago that I wanted her to end up with him, but knew it would never happen...Last night's show was fun to watch!  It was a hoot to see my mom running up and down the hall between commercials to play with Alana in her room.  It was my job to shout "It's back on!" and they would rush back to the chaise to watch.  Alana knows the show only as "the show where they give out roses".  As the show progressed, we decided that maybe it'd be better for her to pick Jesse, because she wouldn't have to step into someone else's life, she could instead create a new one.  My heart was breaking for Jason...but like Nancy said, the flights to Seattle are going to booked solid by women wanting to get in line for a chance at that :)  That is my paraphrasing!  

Nashville is great...I still haven't found that perfect pair of flip flops.  I think I'll stop trying and let them find me.  I did hit the jackpot at Old Navy yesterday...all the kid's clothing was like 50% off.  I got Alana tons of cute dresses and such for next to nothing!  

Tonight I get the rare opportunity to hang out with my friend, Deborah.  We don't get to do it often, but it's always a blast when we do!  She has definitely been there for me in some really rough patches of my life.  I couldn't ask for a better friend...and then, of course there was her wedding.  Haha.  For those of you not familiar, her mom threatened to "rip my nose ring out"...Good times.

Oh, and a lot of you have asked about the 4th of July thing.  Really...I don't want to go into it.  But it wasn't completely awful :)

Tonight's the Night!

It's the moment we've all been waiting for...Ok, it's the moment that I'VE been waiting for :)  Tonight is the finale of the Bachelorette!!!  Who's it gonna be?  I have no idea.  I think I want it to be Jason, just because I think that Jesse will have an easier time bouncing back from rejection.  I honestly will be happy AND sad tonight, happy for the winner, sad for the one who goes home crying...I guess that's what happens when your two favorites make it to the end.  I am thrilled to be here in Nashville so I can watch it with my mom...Last week we spent the entire 2 hours texting each other with our reactions!  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!  So that's what I will be doing tonight, but today I am on a quest for new flip flops.  My favorite ones of all-time finally bit the dust after a horrendous 4th of July celebration.  I don't think I posted about that...mostly because I'm trying to put it out of my mind!  But back to the flops.  I guess it was just their time...I have had them (and worn them just about EVERY day) since before I met Justin!  Here's to good tv-watching and shoe-shopping!  

Nancy, feel free to text with YOUR reactions tonight :)

Peace, love and carpal tunnel syndrome...

Say Cheese!

For those of you who saw my "Camera Charity" and scoffed at it...I should let you know that one of my favorite blog readers sent me one!  Yep, and it was the exact one in the picture...(I should probably also let you know that the "blog reader" that sent it to me was my mom.  Haha.  I am on my way to Nash Vegas bright and early in the morning to spend my "summer break" from school.  I am extremely blessed :)  I guess what this blog should say is simply "Dream big!"  Because obviously the unexpected could always happen...

GI Justin

I am feeling a wide range of emotions these days...I'm completely excited about starting my actual nursing classes.  At the same time, I am terrified of how hectic my life is going to be and the fact that Alana will be going to school everyday.  Then there's the huge fact that starting July 16th (yes, less than 2 weeks away), my husband will begin work-ups.  For those of you who don't know, work-ups is a nice way of saying he's not gonna be home much.  He'll be gone for weeks at a time, all the way until February when they will just take him away altogether on his 6-month deployment.  I can't believe he's already been home for over a year.  Those 8 months he was out before seem so close in my memory.  Please pray for Alana over these next weeks and months.  When Justin was on cruise in 2006-07, she was still young enough that I didn't have to explain too much...However, now that she is a big 4 year old that has been spending lots of "daddy time" while I'm at school...it's going to be a hard transition!  Oh, and of course, I need prayer too :)  But that goes without saying!  So this really isn't meant to be a depressing, sad entry.  In fact, amongst all of my negative (yes, I admit it) emotions, I also am very excited about something!  On Monday, another love of my life, George W., signed to make the GI Bill bigger and better!  It really makes our post-Navy plans a lot more brighter!  Let's just say, Justin will receive 100% of his college tuition paid in full...money for books and supplies each year...as well as BAH equivalent to an E5 with dependents.  (BAH=housing allowance).  This opens so many doors for us as a family!   Sometimes we fail to fathom the fact that our Father knows no limits.  I am happy to say that I serve a God that never ceases to amaze me!

An Open Letter to Brad Womack and the Whack-a-Doodle::

Dearest Brad, 

Thank you for being such a piece of work.  Because of you I have a newfound love...It's called the Bachelorette.  As a result of your wishy-washiness and your decision to dump DeAnna Pappas on national television and humiliate her publicly (more than once), the show has become worth watching again.  Now she is left with two amazing men, one of which she is apparently engaged to.  I know I will be watching next Monday night when she reveals who that person is.  And while I don't know who it is...I know who it's not...YOU!  I'm sorry for your luck.

Dearest Jason's ex-wife,

I do not know your name, but I will call you "whack-a-doodle" for grins.  What were you thinking letting a good man like this go?  And leaving your adorable son?  I know that I have never met you OR Jason for that matter...but whenever he appears on-screen, I find myself smiling at the tv (like a dork, yes) because his happy energy and spirit for life are contagious.  I hope that Jason is left standing with DeAnna.  He deserves a woman who can keep that smile on his face, as does Ty.  Don't kick yourself TOO hard.