T h r e e d a y w e e k e n d

Unfortunately, these words have had little to do with my vocabulary recently, save the amazing vacations that I've been grateful to take with Boyfriend.  Thankfully, when talking boss lady out of giving me a ridiculous schedule this week, I ended up with a 3-day weekend by default, which I will gladly accept!  The oddest part: it's Thursday night and although the day has been good, not nearly the typical "I'm off from work so I must rush my life" reaction that I have been used to.

I was able to enjoy a relaxed dinner with a great friend and spend some time to myself.  (I pretend as if this is something that is much-deserved, rather than the default for living so far from Boyfriend and having busy friends.)  The Counter was the new dish of the evening with Mary at Reston Town Center, where we were able to construct our own burgers in a 5 step process!  Although my food of choice could have looked significantly more appetizing, it was absolutely delicious and complimented their shoe-string fries nicely!  The company, of course, was the part I enjoyed the most.  Although Mary and I live only minutes apart, our busy schedules seem to complicate our ability to make plans.  We make the most of what we can and have learned how to catch up in a very well-organized manner so that we can move on and enjoy the dates we are able to schedule.

Tomorrow, after errands, packing, and waiting for Boyfriend to make the 3-hour drive north to pick up Sampson and I, we will be on our way to PA to celebrate Mr. Smyth's retirement from the State Department. We are so fortunate to  be able to enjoy these times with the Smyths and be included in such momentous occasions of their lives.  The "party" is scheduled for Sunday, but Friday evening and Saturday will also be enjoyed quite thoroughly: gardening, swimming, playing with dogs, quilting, discussing worldly matters and ensuring that the State Liquor Board of PA will not go without jobs any time soon.  Family and friends are expected in town, and if it's anything like the Celebration we had last year, it is going to be a weekend to remember.

I can't wait to spend the extra time with Boyfriend over the weekend, especially with such great friends and family.  A large portion of our relationship has happened in the car, together or apart, and we will definitely continue our tradition this weekend as we make a quick stop on our way to the Smyth's.  We can catch up on the happenings of this week, which always seems much better in person than on the phone and really get the chance to make each other laugh with our silliness.  Now all we need is a great road trip game!

Revival

Alas, I have fallen behind in the activity that I figured would keep me company while boyfriend was studying abroad.  Thankfully, he has returned more worldly and I could not be more thrilled.  The two weeks that he has been home has been a whirlwind of graduations, Commissioning ceremonies, family gatherings, hours of interstate driving, friend visits, reintroductions of long working hours, but the most fun: our first trip to Disney World!  As attempt #2, it gave us the chance to begin to catch up on the couple time that was missed and reminded us of why exactly we're together.

Boyfriend enjoying a Mickey Sandwich at Magic Kingdom

Although we started sharing secrets and sensitive topics from the very beginning of our relationship, one of my favorite things about boyfriend is that he makes it easy to keep our bond strong.  He's always there when I need to talk, and understands my unusual emotions.  He keeps me company always, and it seems as if we tag-team our excessive neediness for each other.  We talk about anything and everything, covering unexpected topics in unexpected places.  We act like no one else in the world exists, except for our exceptional team members of course, and I absolutely love it.

One of my favorite places for this bonding, ironically, is in la toilette.  Maintaining proper privacy is always foremost, however, it's a great place to make our relationship stronger.  Although this man rolls out of bed and is seemingly instantaneously ready for the day, I however, seem to need significantly more time.  Traditionally, while I girl-out and do my hair and make-up in the morning, boyfriend patiently keeps me company in the bathroom while I pamper.  No complaints, just our usual love and laughter.  He shares with me facts he learns from his favorite websites and supplements with tales of his study abroad, and I wait for the next, thrilling detail.

Boyfriend, thank you for not only loving me but for comprehending and growing with me, each and everyday.  Each day may not be our best, but they always make us stronger and better as a couple.  I love you always and I'm looking forward to the perfect days and the not-so-perfect days we have coming~

Me Day

Today was an unexpected day off from work.  I was running out the door last night to meet my dear Mary for dinner in Reston when I stopped to look at the schedule to see who I was working with in the morning; to my surprise, my only commitment was to my luscious pillows and comforter!  Days off only seem like a concept now that Boyfriend is in Austria.  No countdown until the next day that I can see him, no super-busy plans.

Overall, I think I did a great job enjoying my day to do me.  I was in bed until noon, got lunch, went shopping, then leisurely went to the local library to grade papers and prepare for my next class.  Of course I also had to upload pictures and check my daily reads, but the night was just as productive as it needed to be.  The best part, however, was being interrupted by Boyfriend!  Unfortunately, given my current location, conversation was difficult.  In true S&M fashion, we overcame the challenge and I was able to scribble down only the most important words to boyfriend:

 We were able to talk for a few short minutes as I escaped to a remote corner of the library of the days happenings, and we were able to sufficiently cheer each other up.  Although finding the time and technology to talk on a regular basis is still a puzzle waiting to be assembled, today showed that no matter what the circumstance, we'll make the most of what we've got!  It also helps knowing that today marked the start of the mere month-long countdown until I arrive in Salzburg.

Boyfriend, I specifically wore these today, knowing that you like them, to cheer myself up.  I am so incredibly lucky to have you in my life everyday, but especially days like today when you love me and tell me I'm pretty despite my unseasonal socks and stretchie pants.  I miss you so very much and love you to sideways 8 plus 1...always.

Super Bowl Sunday

Today was both the first Sunday I have had off from work in months, as well as my first day off without Boyfriend to spend it with.  Usually, my work schedule determines Our schedule - Boss Lady is never reasonable, so a day off usually translates to a day entirely filled with adventures and activities that we can enjoy together with rarely any down time.  One of the many things I love about Boyfriend is that he matches my determination to never be bored and always experience new things.  It works for us.

Today was entirely different.  Bestie Rachel came to my house on her only day off this weekend also.  She stood watch as the highest-ranking Midshipman the day before and showed up completely exhausted.  I cannot explain how much it means to me to have such a fantastic friend who will even look forward to spending the day with me after such a demanding responsibility.  Of course, she maintained command flawlessly, and I was happy to provide her a place of reprieve.

We spent the afternoon drinking tea, eating real food, doing laundry and catching up - not only on the news of our recent lives but also on our much needed zzz's.  Our adventure of the day was finally assembling the wonderful AeroGarden that Mrs. Smyth had delivered for the Holidays.  The 17 hours of sunlight has just risen on my baby thyme, dill, and rosemary, and I can't wait to watch how fast they grow!

Unfortunately, the only downfall to my day was my lack of ability to concentrate on both preparing for my course tomorrow night and the game.  Thankfully, I had enough patience left to remind myself of the minutiae of Mesh and Nodal Analysis while the defenses kept me amused.  Overall, the day was a big change from what has been my life for the past several months, but slowly I'm adjusting.  The comfy bed didn't hurt either.

Trailblazing

Today I felt like I was really on my own.  I couldn't talk to Boyfriend when I woke up, and we didn't have a plan for talking for the day - real long distance relationship lesson 1: always have a plan!  It is surprising to me how little I know about the mechanics of a long distance relationship.  Boyfriend and I always prioritize each other and always make it work such that the 3 long hours that separate us never seem significant.  Of course, unless it's 4am and I'm on my way back to work, but it's always completely worth it and what's normal for us at this point in our relationship.  This study abroad of his, however, is a completely different animal.  No consistent cell phone use, no consistent email access, no 3-hour max separation.  Instead, we're dealing with a pesky time difference and no way to make a rescue hug be only 3 hours away until March 9th when I arrive for my visit.  This started sinking in today and I'm not a fan.

In order to counteract this realization, I have spent the past two nights fully enjoying my weekend.  Friday I graded papers for the class that I am teaching, and tonight I began the long and tedious process of getting my house to a normal, healthy standard of clean that human beings should be able to enjoy on a daily basis.

Surprisingly, these past two nights have helped me realize something significant: I am more OCD than I like to lead on, even to myself.  Since moving in this summer, I have cleaned my shared bathroom my fair share of times, however, it wasn't until I was washing my Bathroom Cleaning Gloves for the third time with handsoap like they were my own skin that I realized how particular I am about cleaning.  I use my Bathroom Sponge on the sink only, doing half at a time.  I wash my Bathroom Cleaning Glove hands before and after each step of the cleaning process.  I suppose the beloved Danny Tanner from my childhood days of Full House has some competition.  Before grading, I organize my students papers into alphabetical piles by assignment, completing one assignment before moving onto the next.  I double-check their answers and my tally of points before marking the grade.  I duly check the grades one final time and my alphabetization before entering the grades into my excel grade sheet.  Tedious paperwork, especially education-related, makes me happy.  I suppose the steps you take encourage you to really learn about yourself when you feel as if you're re-learning how to walk.

Boyfriend: I hope that you're having a fantastic time in London, but beware of the knife-juggling tighty whitey men.  I love you to sideways eight, always.

Possibly my most favorite picture of Boyfriend, because I miss him :: Harpers Ferry, WV

7 months behind...

When I snapped this "creeper photo" as I like to call my collection of observations, I had every intention of using it to start a blog about... anything.  It was the first big expedition I had planned with boyfriend, even before we were dating: The Hampton Pirate Festival hosted in early July.  I must admit that when I first heard about it, I never expected for it to be as awesome - and as picturesque - as it was.  But of course, as I have learned over the past seven months, never have expectations because Boyfriend will completely blow them out of the water.  Aside from the pirate ship tours, pirate shopping, and pirate snacking, the most enjoyable part was experiencing something new with Boyfriend.

Yesterday was a day of new beginnings.  I took Boyfriend to the airport for his four-month study abroad in Salzburg, Austria, and saw my bestie Rachel after she selected the ship she will be serving on after she is Commissioned this May from the United States Naval Academy.  I couldn't be more proud of either of them for achieving their dreams no matter how difficult they may be!  Undoubtedly, these next four months will be extremely hard to be separated by an ocean from Boyfriend and knowing that Rachel will soon be moving to Mayport, Florida, but I know that I have the strength to make it through!  Hopefully, my letter-writing skills are sufficient!