.... and back to blessings.

After an emotionally draining weekend, it seems fitting to recap the day this way.

Blessing for today:

1. Despite what may happen in the next 6 months, I still have a job and a wonderful home. I need to stop letting the "what if" of the future impact my happiness in the present. We'll have several relocations in the coming years, but I can't live my life between each of those dreading the next transfer season.

2. My husband is an MST in the Coast Guard. While he occasionally, and sometimes regularly, works nights and weekends, he is usually home to cook me dinner, ask how my day went and make me a cup of hot cocoa. He will not be going to Iraq of living 6 months on a ship. Transfer season and being away from family (especially during holidays) may be difficult, but it could be worse. I need to keep this in mind.

3. Most of the MSST (deployable) positions open for transfer have been canceled. These units have replaced the MST position with a scuba diver .... which makes it less likely that over the next 16 years that Mike will get placed into a job that requires him to be gone for months at a time. A few of the positions are still open, but not near as many.

4. While it took some time and tears, Mike and I were able to work through some issues that have been on my mind for awhile. I think we've found solid footing on how to get our relationship where we want it be.

5. My grandpa gives great big bear hugs that I love and miss. Mike gives great big bear hugs that I also love, and get every day. Sometimes several. If I ever live close enough to "home" to get both regularly, I just might melt from happiness. Especially because that also means I'd get a fair share of hugs from Mike's dad, who also gives great hugs. Must be a guy thing. I love hugs.

6. The Cavs won on the road against the Lakers and Kobe this afternoon. Don't get me wrong --- I'm not a fan of pro basketball, but I like it when my husband's happy. The Cavs winning in a close game gets him excited AND makes him happy.

7. While the Cavs were playing, I curled up under a quilt my grandma's grandmother made many years ago for a nap. It's my favorite blanket, because it's warm but not too heavy, and very soft. Molly napped with me-because she likes to sleep, it's her favorite blanket and she loves me.

8. I am lucky enough to have a long, heather gray peacoat and several matching hat and scarf sets when I bundle up to take Molly and Fozzie outside. It's been very cold, with at least a bit of a breeze, lately so the layers and extra length works wonders on conserving warmth! A good thing, too, as Molly normally wonders around for a good 20 minutes before she'll even consider making her #2.

9. Our condo features the following appliances: garbage disposal, dishwasher, full-size washer and drier. After a few years in college, I really appreciate the convenience. And after completing an apartment research project, I've come to realize we have a great deal for the price we pay. Great landlord, flexible lease, no monthly pet payment, quiet and safe neighborhood, assigned parking spot close to our unit. We still think the housing cost down here is absurd, but what we have is a lot better than what we could have ... for the same price or even more! I'm very thankful for how things work out two summer's ago.

10. Raviolis. I love almost any version of this savory Italian dish, although I prefer the homemade kind Jacqui and I made a few years ago. I went to a wonderful little restaurant in Virginia Beach with Kathleen a few weeks before my wedding and loved those too. Mike took me to the Olive Garden tonight because I've been craving a decent ravioli dish (and Belini Iced Tea). The wait wasn't bad, we had a great conversation and the raviolis were great. Plus, I have more than enough for my lunch tomorrow! :)

11. After dinner, Mike and I stopped by Barnes and Noble. I was planning to find a book titled "The Overachievers: The Secret Life of Driven Kids" by Alexandra Robbins. Instead, I almost left with "The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary" - until I realized it cost $21 and I have a perfectly usable library card. We browsed for about an hour, stopping by several sections of the store and finally walking out empty handed. I love book stores and it's been too long since we browsed without rushing.

12. The Winter X-Games have been on throughout the weekend. It's been nice to catch some great snowboarding and skiing every now and again.

13. Fozzie is curled up in a ball on my feet. In bed. For the first few months we had him, he spent his nights in the living room. Slowly but surely, he's been spending more nights with us. A few weeks ago, I pulled out my grandma's quilt and ever since then he's been a nightly companion, curled up at my feet. It must be his favorite blanket, too.

14. Two days off. I brought grants home to edit, but decided against opening my folders. I really don't get paid to work overtime and I've learned that my stressing out to get things finished early really isn't worth the time. Especially on the weekend.

15. No matter what life brings, I know that my husband will always be there to support me. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.