I Didn't Forget

So waaaayy back in September I posted an open invitation for questions in honor of my 300th post. Remember that? Yeah, probably not. It's been a million years or so. Dang. Now that we are in November, and have surpassed that number, I figure it is time to get those questions answered and choose a giveaway winner! Yeah!

Here we go...

What's the one thing you miss most about living in America?
Oh goodness, do I only get to pick one? Family is a big one, and not just seeing them, but being able to talk any time I want. With a 7 hour time difference you really have to plan it out, and no quick call from the cell phone either. Of course I also miss the convenience of stores like WalMart and Target, having things open on a Sunday, having more then one store to go to if one is out of something. I miss the food too. Mexican food, Chick Fil A, mmmmmm. I'm pretty homesick at the moment!

Why are you so mean?
Because I have a friend named Sarah who drive me bananas. Why did I have to invite her over for Thanksgiving? Maybe I can tell Will to leave her at home...

What's the one thing you will miss most about living in Germany?
TRAVEL! Obviously living here has provided us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to see things that most people don't get to see in their entire lives. I am getting the shakes because I haven't traveled to another country since last month. I can't even imagine when it gets down to once a year!

What is the one fashion item you cannot live without? Jeans! Especially now that I get to wear them to work everyday, jeans are the biggest part of my wardrobe. I love that they can be dressy, casual, or anything in between. Gap, Old Navy, and Citizens of Humanity are my faves.

What would a perfect meal consist of? Favorite food? A Chick Fil A sandwich, chips and salsa, a margarita, and waffle fries. Yum!

Where are you going after Germany?
Wouldn't that be nice to know? From what we are told, we probably won't find out until April, and we move in July. Boo! Our top choice is Turkey, followed by Korea and Lajes (Azores, Portugal). Looks like somewhere else without a Target. Ahhhh!

Did your college classes truly prepare you for real teaching?
For the most part, yes. I was lucky to have some really great professors, and really great mentor teachers who took the time to make projects and assignments that were relevant. Even learning about those theorists has helped me more than I thought!

What is your favorite color?
PINK!

Babies- When and How Many?
When? I don't know. Right now I am really enjoy nap time! Probably some time after Jordan pins on Captain. How many? 1. No more. Jordan and I were both raised like only children (with brothers and sisters that are older) so we feel like one is good for us. It better be a girl.

What is your favorite thing about being married? And the hardest?
As cheesy as it sounds, I absolutely LOVE living with my best friend. Being over here has really made us rely on each other for everything. I can't imagine living alone, I would miss sharing with him so much. The hardest? Hmm. I don't know. Is that cheesy? I am so blessed, that even when things aren't perfect, they aren't hard. Before we got married so many people told us that being married, especially the first year, was so hard. Honestly, I think if you are married to the person God had for you, and you are both keeping God first, you see the blessings more than the challenges.

What is your favorite breakfast food?
Pancakes. Yum! This week I made the first batch where every single one turned out perfect. No burned ones! I was so proud.

If you had to be deaf or blind which would you choose? (Sorry Katie, I just chose one to answer. Dang, that was a lot of questions!)
Deaf. I have a leg up on sign language already. Plus, if I was blind, how could I be the fashion police?

What's your most favorite place you've ever traveled to? Why?
I can't choose just one! No way! Favorite city? Paris. Every single thing in that city is beautiful. Favorite landscape/view? Santorini, Greece. There is not a more beautiful place on earth. I will never forget sitting on the balcony, overlooking the water, and enjoying a yogurt with honey. Heaven. Favorite historical place? Egypt. It was incredible to walk where Moses once lived, to see the tombs of Pharaohs. Mind boggling.

What do you love/hate most about the military life?
Love? The friendships, the travel, the change. I love that things will never be boring for us. Every 3 years we will get to experience somewhere new. Hate? The change. Having no control over the change is the tough part. Sometimes you just want to be able to plan things out. You know what they say about making God laugh by telling Him your plans? The military is the same way.

What's your all time favorite book and why?
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. I couldn't put this book down. I turned pages and could never have guessed the ending. I would read it again in a heart beat.

Do you want to stay in the military long term? What are your plans for after?
As of now, we plan on 20-25 years in the Air Force. Of course, that is if all goes according to plan. I like the way I heard one of the G wives say it, "We will get out when we stop having fun." After? That's a ways off! As of now we would like to retire in the hill country of Texas. I would like to work as a librarian, and Jordan wants to do something in the financial industry, like financial planning for military members (for USAA or in his own place).

Do you believe you have changed much since you were first married?
Of course. The last three years I feel like I have grown a ton. Having a job, moving across the world, creating a whole new life- it all forces you to change. I think I am more mellow (although still OCD) than before, I tend to go with the flow a little more.

Do you believe that your experience with the military has changed you at all?
Being able to go with the flow is certainly due to the military life. What else can I do? Stressing about it gets me no where! I think I also have learned to appreciate my husband more. All the TDYs and time a way make you appreciate the time you have together. Unlike many wives, I actually get the chance to miss my husband, which is a good thing!

What made you fall in love with your husband?
If you have ever met Jordan, this is an easy one. He is honestly one of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life. He is caring, sweet, and always makes an effort to make me happy. Putting up with me is a full time job, and he does it well.

Have you always wanted to teach Kindergarten or was it just what was open? And why library science?
Kindergarten is what I always thought I would teach. I started with first and really enjoyed it, but my goal from the beginning was the Kinder kids. I love being able to see the progress they make by the end of the year. Knowing I am the one that taught them to read and write in an incredible feeling. Plus, at this age, they are usually more sweet and innocent. I can't deal with hormones! As far as Library Science, I had an undergrad Children's Lit class that opened my eyes. Reading is my favorite part of teaching, and having the opportunity to share that with every kids in a school for enjoyment purposes is so exciting. Plus, I get to organize and alphabetize stuff. It doesn't get more fun than books and spreadsheets!


How do your families act about and respond to your military lifestyle, especially the fact that you're 'so far away?'
My parents are super supportive. I think they like getting to travel to see us. They would be even more supportive if we moved to Hawaii. Jordan's parents are the same way, although I think the separation is harder for them as Jordan is an only child. Most people though are sensitive to the fact that being over here isn't always easy. They make an effort to stay connected, and that is always appreciated. However, not everyone is that way, and it sucks.

White Wine or Red Wine?
White! Moscato. Yummy. I think I'll have some right now. Oh wait, I'm at work. Dang.


What's the best Christmas present you've ever given your husband?
I think he would say the pants I bought him last year. He love love loves his Bonobos, and I must admit they are pretty sexy for man pants.

Dang! That's a lot of questions. Yeah for you for making it to the end! And now the prize....



One of my favorite things about living here has been using super fun reusable bags and baskets from a company called Reisenthel. I have their folding bags, their basket, their travel organizer, their wine bottle bag, and a million other things. Love it! The lucky winner gets this cool bag for grocery shopping and a collapsible bag for a shopper on the go!

And the winner is....

The Longs in Italy!

Email me your address so I can send your prize.

Thanks for sticking around with me, even as my posts are sporadic. 300 posts and almost 300 followers, but more importantly- new friends. As cheesy as it sounds, I feel very thankful for the friends I have made through blogging. What a cool side effect of blogging to update family back home!