Random Thoughts - The Upside & The Downside

I've been having a rough time lately.

My Marine's schedule is all whacko and he's been gone more than he's been home -- and I'm not happy. This week takes him back to Ft. Rucker for a week-long conference. I get a phone call last night on his way to the hotel. A hotel where his bed doesn't include a furry child who snores and runs in her sleep. A hotel where someone picks up his wet towels off the bed. A hotel where someone makes his bed every morning and vacuums for him. (Oh wait -- he gets that here at home too....) He ends his phone call with "I'll try to call later honey, but we're having an icebreaker tonight." Translate that into - "It's Happy Hour in the hotel bar and I'll be hanging out with some other soldiers attending the conference - some who I haven't seen since we met up at our layover in Atlanta earlier that afternoon."

I knew while helping him pack that it was going to be like this this week. But compound that with the frustration that I've been feeling over the past month and you've got one unhappy momma. I did feel a bit better though as I was helping him pack I "accidentally" forgot to pack his toothbrush. It's not as dramatic as, say, forgetting to pack his uniform - which I would NEVER do. A toothbrush is easier to replace than the uniform.....and forgetting to pack his toothbrush was just a little show of defiance on my behalf.

Grrrrrrrr........

Upside - I got to watch "The Bachelor" by myself last night with no comments from the Peanut Gallery.

Downside - I never sleep good when My Marine is out of town. So I tossed and turned a lot last night and watched a lot of late night TV and infomercials.

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I was reading MckMama's blog yesterday and discovered that she is going to be in my neck of the woods at the end of the month. I have the opportunity to meet her AND possibly have a scheduled photo shoot with her.

Downside -- the meet & greet happens when My Marine is going to be yet on ANOTHER trip, so I'm not sure if I'll have anyone to watch the girls.

Upside -- at least I'll be able to take the girls with me for the photo shoot the next day.

Downside -- I'll have to miss my MOPS bible study that day.

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Last night while checking my email one last time before heading to bed, I got this email in response to one of my blogs......

Hi Toy Box Lady - (I like how she calls me Toy Box Lady)

I am Tammy Tyms, Gigi Schweikert’s personal assistant. Gigi was delighted to find that you had read her book and used one of her devotionals for your Sunday devotion on your blog! Gigi is passionate about connecting with Mom’s and it means so much to her to know that you have been blessed by her writings. Gigi would love to send you an autographed copy of her Church Nanny book. Just get back to me with your address and I will get it in the mail to you right away.

Blessings to you and your family,

Tammy Personal Assistant for Gigi Schweikert

WOW!! You could have knocked me over after getting this email. Makes me glad now that I remembered to credit her book when writing my blog!

Upside -- Getting a personally autographed book from an author that I truly love to read and respect!

Downside -- Well, I can't find one...and that's a good thing!

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Over the past month, I have found out that 10 of my friends are pregnant. Yes, you read that right -- ten. I know there are more, but I lost track at 10.

Upside -- My friends are having babies and I'm so happy for them!!

Downside -- My friends are having babies and I'm so jealous!! You see, ever since I had Nudgie, I've been struggling with the thought of having a 3rd baby. I feel it so deeply in my soul, but convincing My Marine is the sticky point right now. But I'm at a cross-roads because I'm not sure if I want this baby because my friends are having babies or because I truly want another baby in our family.

Upside -- At least I've been having these feeling BEFORE my friends starting seeing two stripes on the stick!

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My brain is now tired and I haven't even had my coffee yet! I can hear the coffee pot beeping - signalling that my "crack" is ready for consumption!

Let's hope that today is FULL of upsides!! Blessings to you all this beautiful day!