Many changes under way.

Hey, y'all. Well, we've made it through our pre-inspection with the housing representative and we've had someone from the moving company come and assess how many boxes and what size of truck will be needed to move our belongings. She was pleased with how little stuff we have. Hahaha. We'll be getting the keys on the 30th and we'll head over to the new place and put post-its all over indicating where we'd like our furniture placed. Then on the 1st we'll take Miles over to the new place and tuck him away in the bathroom with his things so he can stay hidden in there while the scary stuff is happening. Then they'll pack our stuff up and move us all in one day. And we'll have until the 5th to get everything ready for our final inspection. This month has been going by so quickly! I can hardly believe it. In a matter of days we'll be living in a new place. I'll need to call everywhere and let everything know our new address and order new checks... :S That is not my favorite part. Hahaha. At least I don't have to spell Dougherty to everyone this time. Our new place doesn't have big trees overhanging it, so that should cut down on water bugs (curses on the water bugs). However, there will be less squirrel entertainment for us, too. Phooey.

We're also thinking about getting a second kitty. A little sister for Miles. We've sent an application to a cute place that does cat adoptions and we are interested in a few cuties there. Considering the way cats and I are, I expect to want all of the cats there and to have a very difficult time deciding. A little bit after we've moved we'll probably head out there to meet the kitty-cats. We know Miles will be very annoyed with us for a few weeks/months but I think once he gets over it he'll love having someone to chase up and down the stairs (and someone that can bite the little knothead back!) and someone furry to cuddle with. We're hoping that will make it less difficult for the boy when Daddy goes to Afghanistan next year. At present, Miles is VERY Daddy-clingy. He'll yowl for him and if I go to see what's wrong I get the "Not you - go away" expression. They play tag everyday and Miles thoroughly enjoys escaping and leaving John eternally "it." He also is filled with revelry when Daddy thinks he's in one place when the cat is actually sitting right behind him. Imagine a cat crowing and you'll hear what I get to hear. Hahahaha. Also, it will be less lonely for me here with two little cutie-bears.

Also, just so everyone knows, we're waiting to try to have kids until after John gets home from deployment. A few people have pointed out that if I got pregnant RIGHT NOW he'd be here for delivery. However, that would leave me absolutely alone with my baby for the first year and a half. I don't have any family or friends anywhere near here. So, we both would rather wait until after this tour of duty. That also makes it easier to sort out medications because all the things I take would hurt a baby and as fun as it would be to suddenly quit taking them... nah. Besides, we don't know if there would be any fertility problems or so on. Much easier said than done. Hahaha. There's no rush. :) Besides I'm waiting for all my friends' kids to get old enough to babysit when we visit Utah. xD Just kidding!
As far as how we're doing, I'm still battling the bulge (meaning my body haha) and working out. I'm in the not much change zone that comes before the finally a little difference zone. However, I've been cooking more and writing more and feeling much better than I have for a long time. :)

Pfc. Johnny, however, got yanked out of his unit with no warning and placed in a different unit where one of his superiors is one of those female soldiers that thinks yelling loudly all the time will get them as much respect as a man. She doesn't realize that showcases her insecurity and weakness and costs her the respect she could have had. His previous unit is fighting hard to get him back, though, and we're hoping that will happen because he was so happy in that unit. I hope I don't meet the woman in the other unit because I'm pretty sure I'd end up asking her why she feels the need to ruin every day for everyone around her because she doesn't have the self-control or the courage to put her moodiness on a shelf and be a professional. (We're all floored to learn she's divorced... Can't figure that one out...) This week he got yelled at because the hairline on his neck was not a straight line. So, in such John fashion... he is now bald. xD He cracks me up. My favorite thing he's done so far is when a superior told him his beret needed to be positioned closer to his eyebrows and he raised his eyebrows and declared, "There we go, Sgt." His charm made the guy laugh and just tell him to get out of there and get back to work. (This is why I have the picture of Spidey webbing the Hulk in the face. That boy must be crazy! Hahaha!) Thankfully, whether he gets to go back to his old unit now or not, he will get to deploy with them. (Which makes it more idiotic that he doesn't get to train with them from now until deployment.) So, at least he won't have to deal with the Duchess of Death when he's out there.
No worries. And today I'll be making some ragu with chicken thigh meat and pasta for dinner tonight. :D As well as some mushroom crostini. Nom nom. I'm really glad I've found my cooking self again. I was so tired of eating the same stuff over and over. Reheating is not enough for me now. I've gone too far done the nummy path to go back to canned ravioli. *shudder* (John hasn't though. *muttermutterchefboyardeemuttermutter*) xD