The Facts of Jess...

...that most probably don't care about. However, I looove learning random things about complete strangers, so why not share some silly awesome things about me! Especially since Whitney gave us all the best excuse ever to be a little random today. I'd be crazy to not join in on the fun.

I asked Travis to tell me some silly facts about me so some of those are thrown in. I can't tell you which ones though. I've gotta keep some things private, ya know. Says the girl that has a blog. * I'm always late. Take for example this blog post. Or work. Or the dentist. No matter how early I leave, the on time peeps are against me. * I curse like a sailor, but at the weirdest times. That view? It's f*&@in' pretty.   

Oregon coast, 2009

 * I'm a drooler. When Trav and I were first dating, I fell asleep on his shoulder while watching a movie. Let's just say I woke up wet. And it was my cheek. Trav's shirt didn't make it out dry either. * I'm messy with food. When I cook or eat, no matter how careful I am (which isn't often), I always end up with food in my hair or weird crumbs on my face. I eat like a child and play with my food when I'm full, and then I forget my hands were all up in my mashed potatoes and scratch my nose.  * I can be a perv and have a dirty mind. You'd never know this about me unless we've been tight for awhile. I keep my sarcastic sense of humor to myself until I know you're a lifer.  

I'll take those arms back, please.

* Peanut butter makes my world go round. I could eat it on everything if it didn't gross my husband out. * I'm the worst decision maker ever. Then I make a decision and second guess it and go back to my first idea and then hate it and then yell at my husband for not just making the decision for me. Wendy's or Taco Bell?! Such hard life choices. * Fuzzy critters get me every time. When I see an animal, I make weird goochie goo noises that show how much I love them. My husband doesn't get it. Oh, and I make up voices for my dog. He sounds pretty wise, I must say.  

If a dog sitting at a bar isn't wise, I don't know what is.

* I have a Bachelor's in Business Management, but I started out in Elementary Education, then Accounting, and now I'm seriously considering going back for something healthcare related. See: I'm the worst decision maker ever. * I will jump out of airplanes, go zip-lining, drive like a NASCAR racer and consider bungee jumping, but I'm terrified of going too fast on a snowboard.   

  * I hate 'selfies' and you will rarely see me taking them of myself. This is me driving to the gym. This is me getting ready to eat something awesome. This is me before going to bed. Umm, no thanks. But all of you that do, you so pretty.
* I have an accent. Apparently being from Montana means you change long a's to e's. For example, when I pack, I put everything in a beg while flying my freak fleg and avoiding the plegue. It's one of the many reasons my husband loves me. There's so many reasons, though, I almost want to geg. * I'm a light nazi. Seriously, why do boys always leave every single light on? Drives me bonkers. * I'm an awesome secret keeper. I've been keeping something from everyone and I can't wait to announce it!

60,480 Miles. Approximately.

This weekend was the end of a big part of my life. It may not be the end forever, but for now, it was the best choice for my little family and me. For those that don’t know, I was a member of the Montana Air National Guard. The ANG is a branch of the Air Force and I’m proud to say that I served our country, even if it was only one weekend a month. It was the last weekend I was allowed to put on the uniform and call myself an Airman.

Why did I decide to join the guard? Honestly, the main reason was to help pay for my college education. It did that and more. I was at a point in my life where I needed a challenge and motivation. I’m very proud of the commitment I made. I traveled 420 miles each way the first of weekend of every month for 6 years. While I know this is a small sacrifice compared to the many others who spend countless days away from their home and families, I’m still proud of doing what I signed up to do.

It started with 6 1/2 weeks of basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, followed by 6 weeks of technical school on the same base. The weeks flew by and even though they were challenging, I learned a lot about myself and gained a confidence that can never be taken away. In tech school, I was the class leader and also Distinguished Graduate. Please notice my baby cheeks and pre-brace smile. Let’s just say I wasn’t the toughest looking Airman, but I like to think looks are deceiving.

I never volunteered to be deployed anywhere as education was always my priority. Looking back, I’m a little disappointed, but every decision is made for a reason so I have no regrets. One good thing about the drive every month was not just the co-pilot I got to travel with, but seeing my family so often. I know that I won’t see them as much anymore and it breaks my heart just a little, especially since my nephew is is growing up so fast. We will make an effort to go as often as we can, though. Speaking of my co-pilot, this was my rear view. Let’s just say Riley is a professional car rider. Even though he can’t talk back to me, he’s the best company ever.

Another experience I’ll never forget and be forever grateful for was my chance to go to England with about 60 other guard members. We were there for 2 weeks and I trained with the Active Duty members at RAF Mildenhall. This trip deserves a post of its own as I got to experience a little bit of the European culture and see some amazing places, including London. I can’t wait to go back. I even got to fly over in a C-130 and hang out with the pilots on the way home!

My favorite part was the bathroom aka bucket with a curtain. The top right picture was my view while peeing. The plane was so loud you had to wear ear plugs. For 10 hours. I wish I had pictures of our seats. It was quite an adventure, to say the least, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

I may end up re-enlisting, but if I do, it will be closer to home. I am even considering getting back in as an Officer. For now, we are just going to see where life takes us. All I know is that whatever’s meant to be, will be. This sunrise on our way home this weekend said to me that beautiful things are ahead. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

The most exciting thing? Having 12 more weekends in the year to fill full of adventure! I also want to say a special thanks to everyone in every branch of the military. It takes a special kind of person to sign up and sacrifice their life for the rest of the country and I couldn’t be more proud to be an American. Our troops rock!

What If...?

Do you ever find yourself asking this question? You know, the what if something something wouldn't have happened, then something else wouldn't have happened question. I have to admit, I do more often than I should. I found out something last week (that I won't be sharing on this blog) that made me ask this question regarding the most devastating thing that has happened in my life (I also just remembered I haven't even told my husband yet. Bad wife). I even find myself asking those two words for the smallest things (what if I would have had water instead of wine, maybe my head wouldn't hurt so bad). Okay, bad example.  Sometimes this question can be good to ask before something happens, especially if you're trying to make a decision. However, in my opinion, I find it hard to move past something if you are always asking this question.

I've always been one to believe that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes it is hard to think that way when you just can't move on without knowing exactly what that reason is. I know someday I'll have the answer, but until then, I'll keep living, trying to believe that if something is meant to be, it will be, and there's no what if that would ever change that.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Am I the only weirdo that says that? It's always the first thing that pops in my head when I think of the word winner. And now I want chicken. Crispy, greasy chicken. With mashed taters. Then I will wash it down with the amazing-ness that is this. Seriously? Yummy.

Anywho, I was uploading some photos from my camera and I came across these cuties...

These were taken the day we closed on our house. I felt like Riley. Tired. I also felt like Travis. Delusional. After Travis stood up, Riley posed per usual. He likes to show off the goods, or lack thereof.

You're welcome for saving your eyes from dog nudity. I won't be having this little blog of mine be known as the one that includes dog porn, that's for sure. Did I really just say that? Gross.

Anyways, the reason I came across these gems was because I had to send some house photos to our builder. They asked us to put our home in the Parade of Homes, and in return, they'd finish our wet bar for FREE! That's basically $1000 in our pockets. Awesome right? Well, you want to know what's not so awesome? It starts in ONE WEEK from today. But wait! No, this isn't an infomercial.We have to be out of the house by Tuesday and everything that isn't pretty/up to their standards has to be packed up. The garage has to be empty. Our whole third stall is f-u-l-l. Basically, we have to move out of the house we just moved into, to move back in again in a week and a half, all so millions, hundreds, maybe thousands of strangers can walk through our house.

All I can do is the crazy laugh. Ya know, the one with the fake smile and forced noise because it isn't funny but there's nothing you can do about it? Basically, what it comes down to is posts are going to be hit and miss around these parts for a little while. I hope you guys don't forget about me, because you all are awesome and don't worry, I will be reading all of your posts!

Now, back to the main reason for this post. Chicken Winners. I received my second blog award! One of my first blog friends, Sarah, passed the Versatile Blogger Award on to me, along with 10 other pretty ladies. Check out her post so you can check all the nominee's out.

 

This award requires me to share 7 random facts about myself. This is probably a good thing so you guys can learn a little bit more about my crazy self. Here goes:

1. I do not have cable, therefore I live vicariously through you bloggers that post recaps on any reality television. If I had cable, I would be addicted. Therefore, we save $50.00 a month and I'm more productive! We do have our faves on network TV, though, but usually have to play catch up online.

2. I am a Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard. Yep. A weekend Warrior. I went to Air Force Basic Training and everything. My enlistment is up in November but it truly was a great experience. I mostly did it to pay for college and I was never deployed. I did get to go to England for two weeks, though! Maybe that will be a future post...

3. I have never smoked anything, not even trying a cigarette! I'm sure some of you can say the same thing, but this is something I'm very proud of myself for. Smoking = gross.

4. The only jewelry I wear are pretty earrings and my wedding ring...usually. I love the statement necklace trend, but I'd rather wear statement earrings and let them have the attention. When I travel somewhere new, it's always my mission to find earrings that are unique and made locally. I guess you could say I collect earrings! 

5.  I originally went to college to fulfill my lifelong dream of being an elementary teacher. I made it two years through the program and changed my mind. So much pressure and politics! Looking back, I think I'd really enjoy being a high-school teacher. I ended up graduating with a degree in Business Management and Human Resources. I'll probably go back to school eventually. I just can't make up my mind!

6.  I am the worst decision-maker. Even the silly ones that involve which fast-food place to hit up. It drives the husband crazy. It drives me crazy, too. Just pick one already!!

7.  I have eight grandparents! Yes, you read that correctly. It's because they were all divorced and remarried but that was before I was born. The best part is they are all still around and healthy! My siblings and I are pretty lucky. But I'm not spoiled at all. Not. I'm totally spoiled, even at 25 years old! I hope it never ends. Maybe that's why I'm waiting to have babies!? ;)

There ya have it! I'm also supposed to link to and send the award to 11 blogs that I love. Rather than do that, I want you all to check out all the lovelies that follow me on the side bar (since as of right now I have 14 and that's only 3 more than 11 so take that! I'm a rebel nominating 14! Ha!) I follow and love all their blogs so check them out. I know some of them have already received this award so they are double double awesome.

You guys rock and I'm so glad I started this blog. I can't wait to get to know all of you! Even though I won't have too many posts in the next few weeks, I'll still be instagramming it up @jstjessontheloop and tweeting so find me there! I'd love to follow you back if I'm not already!