On a Tangent

Mathematically speaking, a tangent is the single point where a line intersects a circle.  I'm going through a tangent right now...but a pretty impressive one.  For the purposes of this post, let's say circles are synonymous with cycles and that my life is like a line.  So where does my life intersect two circles at the one place they meet?  Read on...

In life there are many cycles.  The two most prominent in my life right now are my menstrual cycle and the emotional cycle of deployment (ECD) (that I mentioned in this post).  I know, now you're totally nervous to read this post, aren't you!  Fear not, I'm not talking about anything that will make you squeamish, just highlighting where I am emotionally. 

So, as I was saying...my menstrual cycle...I didn't used to have all of the not so joyful emotional mood swings you sometimes hear about.  Until a year or so ago I floated through this cycle is my life without too much hassle.  I had friends who talked about how angry or sad they'd get during certain times of the month and I tried not to doubt them, but I had no idea what they were so upset about.  Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) wasn't something I identified with at all.  Then, after Tyler was done nursing and my period worked itself into a new normal cycle my emotions definitely started to fluctuate with it. 

At first I was a bit entertained.  How did I have so little control over the almost rage I'd feel surge over minor things, like realizing I'd forgotten my drink in the kitchen after I just sat down in the living room?  I wondered why I'd break into tears over nothing, like spilled milk, if you don't mind the cliche.  It was amazing to me but, month by month, became more troublesome and less fascinating.  I think I now know what PMS* is.  I'm pretty sure I'd rather have been left in the dark, wondering what the big deal was. 

(*Wikipedia says that PMS can also be called PMT - Premenstrual Tension. I think I like that better. I like feeling like I could relax the extremes away.)


Over the past few months I've found ways to manage my emotional messiness, but it's still there.  And I'm right there, right now.

As for the ECD I'm solidly in stage three - Emotional Disorganization.  (See where this is headed?)  My favorite line from the link provided says that, "Wives often report feeling restless (though not productive), confused, disorganized, indecisive, and irritable."  I have to laugh at that.  Is someone watching me right now?  And I love that they point out "not productive."  Sweet. 

OK, now I'm just being sarcastic.  But seriously, you see the tangent I'm in the midst of right now, right?  I'm irritable, indecisive, and not productive while reacting irrationally and extremely to most every situation.  I'm a riot! 

I see it this way, though.  If this is a true tangent (and I'm praying that it is) it shouldn't happen again.  Yes, I'll go through the cycle of deployment again and I'll feel the tension of my menstrual cycle.  But I really hope that they will not intersect in the same way again.  But, if you see me out in public in sweats and my unwashed hair in a frayed pony tail...well, I might be here again.  The good news is - I haven't bitten any one's head completely off.  Yet.  So you might be OK.

Day Book (January 17, 2011)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it's dark and cool.  Night has fallen, but it is taking longer each day for that to happen.  Spring is slowly on her way.

I am thinking...that I should get ready for bed and follow closely behind Jace.

I am thankful for...loving children, good friends.

From the learning rooms...where are those again?  We've fallen out of practice a bit and are working on getting back into the swing of things. Today we did some verbal math drills in the car, does that count?

From the kitchen...our meals are wonderfully primal.  Our snacking is still out of hand, in part because we're not home for some reason.  But we're cooking together still and enjoying that experience.

I am wearing...my husband's Navy sweats, pretty much what I live in at home now.  I do have socks and a bright pink t-shirt on as well!

I am creating...space to play and read with my children without distraction.

I am going...several different directions.  Everything on my plate is important to me, and honestly I don't feel like I've taken on too much, but there is a lot there.  Don't worry, though...there's always room for dessert!

I am reading...The Wisdom of Your Child's Face, by Jean Harner.  It's fascinating.  Turns out that Gracie's full of fire!  No real surprise there, huh?

I am hoping...that the rest of the week isn't stressful with everything that's going on.

I am hearing...a commercial and the hum of the computer.

Around the house...Tyler is sleeping, Gracie is not, although she should be, and Jace is playing until his bedtime.

One of my favorite things...not feeling alone.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Probably the most exciting is that we're going to drive the truck this week, starting tomorrow!  Other than that we have meetings, errands, hopefully some school gets done. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



A piece of artwork created by a friend of mine from high school, John Paul Gelser.



Military Monday Blog Hop

Another set of questions (love them) and another way to meet more military families online (love that too).  Welcome to Military Monday Blog Hop!

This little festival of friendly fun is brought to you by

     and    

I, however, learned about it through one of my favorite, peace filled, and thought provoking sites:

So, visit them one and all!  Join in the blog hop (that's always fun!) or just find new people to follow, laugh, and cry with.  Either way...enjoy your time here and I hope to see you again soon!

Now, for my Q&A.

1. Tell us about the name of your blog...

I enjoy writing and I'm pretty transparent.  My blog title, Live it. Love it (or not). Write about it., reflects those things.  You can find posts on here about everything from our Navy life and how we raise our kids to eating and living healthfully.  I also do review of our homeschooling units and through in crazy things the kids say and do!   

2. Where are you from?
Born and raised in Western New York and married the boy down the road.  After spending the first six years of our marriage in Washington state, and being back here again, this feels like home too.

3. Why do you blog? 

Because I enjoy writing, sharing stories, and letting others know it's OK not to be perfect!  I try to write about all aspects of our lives and maybe someone else reads something and they can identify with it.  I know I like feeling less alone in my crazy world, it's my goal to provide that comfort for others as well.  Plus, it lets our family and friends who don't see us all the time keep up with what's going on in our lives!

4. Do you have any blogging goals for this year?

Nothing formal.  I just want to keep doing it.  Maybe in a few years I'll want to make something more of this outlet, but for now it's a great release for me and not a job.  We'll see where it takes me...

Just a Little FYI

So, I've been thinking for some time about doing a give away.  I still haven't decided what that give away will be.  But I have figured out when!  That's exciting for me. 

I just realized I have 41 followers.  Who knew!?  When I hit 50 followers I'll post the give away details!  So, tell your friends and lets see how quickly we can get to 50! 

(By the way...if I don't notice that I've hit 50 followers and you do because you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see what I come up with next...just send me a message or comment to draw my attention to that fact.  Thanks!)

Can I get a "Woo hoo!!"?

Friday Fill-In #26

It's been a while!  Between Wifey's holiday and homecoming break and my bread for no good reason other than life took over...I haven't been very consistent with these little questionnaires.  But, I think I'm ready to be back at it!  Woo hoo! 

1.What are you looking forward to most in 2011? from Jessica Lynn Writes

Visitors.  As a family of five we're not going to be flying home (WA to NY) on a whim anytime soon.  So, I'm really excited to see the family that can come see us here.  We've got several on the books for March and April and hopefully some more this summer!


2.What is something random you do on a boring night when your significant other is away? from Lovin Ma Soldier

You mean other than answer questions on my blog?  Seriously, though, I do that even when he is around.  So, something I do when he's not around...I watch a lot of Dateline, 48 Hours, Real Forensics...that sort of thing.  They're not his favorites and I am simply amazed by how screwed up people can be. 
3.What has been your greatest adventure as a MilSpouse? from Misadventures of An Army Momma

I feel like right now is my greatest adventure.  Only recently have I realized that I'm in a unique position.  I'm an officer's wife, he's prior enlisted, and I'm on the FRG board.  Bottom line?  I have a lot of people to interact with and a lot of avenues to try when working towards improvements.  I don't fit a stereotype (that I know of) and that's perfect for who I try to be. 

4.What is the ugliest fashion trend you ever bought into (I’d like to make fun of you, so can you please provide a picture as well)? from More Than An Army Wife

I don't know about ugly, but perhaps behind the times.  In middle and high school (early and mid 90's) we were reluctant to let go of the 80's and boldly blended our grunge with our leg warmers! 
5.What was the high point of last month?

Last month had a high point?  Honestly it was a rough month.  I don't even want to think about it long enough to pick out a high point, so I'll just focus on the future. 

Don't forget to go check out other people's answers and join in yourself!  See ya next week!

Quotes From Today

"But, Mama...we're always touching something."

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"We are not a family of petite feet.  Sorry."

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"Why is Tyler crying over getting a shot?  It's not like he's getting shot by a gun."

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(Recognizing the number 3)

"This is three like me."

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"I think I just saw our gymnastics teacher in the awesome store."

(This is how Jace refers to Victoria's Secret.)

"Very nice.  We're not going to say hello."

"Why not?  Is it because she's looking at underwear?"

"Yes, yes it is."

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"Don't tell Dada we're having ice cream for dinner.  He'll be mad."

"No he won't!  He'll be jealous.  We still shouldn't tell him."

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"You can't have alcohol for snack."

Lighthearted Randomness

I realized today that I've been pretty heavy on here lately...all this talk of missing my husband, helping the kids deal with patrol, matters of faith and heart...

It all has it's place, but it's time for something to maybe leave a smile on your face, and mine.  So, here are some random facts or realizations from our recent lives.

1.  My random number of exaggeration has been 42 recently.  I'm not sure why but I keep hearing myself say things like, "I've already told you 42 times..." or "I'll be right there.  Just give me a minute or 42."  I don't know the significance of it.

2.  String cheese gets stuck in the barrel of a Nerf gun.  The good news is that putting darts in and pulling the trigger repeatedly will dislodge said cheese stick, at least if it's not a whole one.  A whole one might require more.  But pieces are dislodged, shot across a room, picked up and eaten. 

3.  Massages that require icing afterwards not only leave you sore, but also have you sitting up straighter, meaning you need to adjust the rear view mirror before driving.

4. Increased water pressure and too much toilet paper can lead to overflowing toilets.

5.  It takes approximately 42 days for mail to get from GA to WA.*

*I may be exaggerating slightly, but probably not all that much.  Seriously.

6.  It is possible to return a book to the library and for it to not get scanned in, even though the librarian I spoke to thought that preposterous.  But when she came back on the phone and admitted the book was on the shelf, she found this situation so amazing that she suggested I buy a lotto ticket - I was that lucky!  I didn't.

7.  Apparently parts of the recliner I'm sitting in are held together with Velcro.  Tyler's found it.  Lovely.

8.  Preparations have begun for birthday celebrations (May and June).  Tyler would like a Dukes cake or Thomas cupcakes.  Gracie would like a Fancy Nancy princess cake and a horse for a present.  Jace would like either a cake shaped like the General Lee or a Navy SEALs cake.  He's leaning toward the SEALs cake with water, land and "little cake guys with M20 rifles."  I should be thankful he's not asking for helicopters in the air too.

9.  Gracie can come up with a new ailment every night in order to get out of bed and get me out of my chair to check out what ever's wrong.  Here are some examples...toe hurts, foot hurts, knee hurts, throat hurts, bottom hurts, head hurts...yeah, mine too.  Go to bed.

10.  Many people ask for more hours in the day.  I think I'd like less.  If there were more I'd need to function for longer, fit more in, get more done.  I definitely think fewer hours are in order.

There you have it...a little peek into our world.  Hope you have a wonderfully random, short day, filled with dreams, cheese, and Nerf guns!