Raindrops on Roses: Spring and MilSOs

Good morning,

The Raindrops on Roses segment will be me ranting about things I don't like. By adding a few of my favorite things, hopefully this will appear a little more positive than it truly is. Eh. Probably not.

Today I'm going to rant about some things that really tend to bother me: Spring and MilSOs.

What's wrong with Spring?

Technically, there is nothing wrong with Spring. I would much rather see Daffodils than try to make my way to work on a sheet of ice at 3:30 in the morning. So, I guess that physically Spring trumps Winter by a long shot. However, we all have short memories when it comes to different times of the year. For instance: I was so pumped when it was finally Spring, but what I forgot was that Spring is my mortal enemy. Why do you ask? Because this is me in the spring: 

Yup, that's Li'l 'ole Katie during the Spring season (except not at cute and I've given up even trying to be outside and enjoy the weather). This time of year I think to myself, why would you wish for winter to go away? Why, Katie? WHY?! Waking up and going to bed with sinus headaches isn't really my cup of tea (which is what I usually have to drink buckets of this time of year). Not to mention, with the job that I have I need to be able to communicate verbally and with my allergies I sound like a sick Darth Vader. 

Every time Spring rolls around I feel like something has to end. The reason for this is because every serious relationship I've been in has ended (or has practically come to an end) in the Spring. Most people tell me, "Just get over it. It's in the past". To that I say: Have you ever told someone with anxiety to "just get over it"? If you have, I'm sure that it hasn't ended well for you. These feelings come up and it's very hard to control my emotions (not to mention, it's to the point of being physically painful). Even writing this typing this right now is difficult for me.

Because of my recent Spring freak out, I'm gonna write something personal to Evan. Everyone look away because it's about to get real mushy all up in here!

Evan--you're the best thing to ever happen to me and I'm sorry that you're having to clean up someone else's mess. It's not cool and it's not okay. I will try harder to be a better woman for you and get over this Spring Break-Up feelings I've been having. You're my teammate, my everything, and a lot of times one of the few people that will help me through my panic attacks. You're the best man to ever walk in my life and I'm so glad that you choose to put up with my crazy anxiety. 

What's wrong with MilSOs

Where do I even begin with this section? I didn't realize how clouded about the military lifestyle was until I was out of it. Most MilSOs are 18-20 year old girls who want to get married so they can be with their boyfriend. All they can talk about is their relationships and they don't have any other motivation for making it through life. There are good ones like my realistic friend, Becca, but she is one in a million. Most girls are young, stupid and afraid to talk about the real issues. The life is filled with people having to walk on egg shells around everyone's feelings. That's pretty ironic since those girls should be tough as nails since they are dating men in the military. 

I'm sure that's not the last time I will talk about MilSOs, but I needed to get that little bit out there. It's been a rough few days for me, so venting was a must. 

The Holiday Express: Fun at a Hockey Game

Good Morning Chickies!

As most of you know, my boyfriend spoils me like crazy. He is constantly trying his best to make me feel special and show me that he cares. I just wanted to share with you all the wonderful date he took me on this Sunday evening. Yes, it was an outing that he wanted to go to, but I'm so happy he asked me to tag along and be his buddy!

The sun was still high in the sky when Evan and I made our way to the American Airlines Center for our special night out to see the St. Louis Blues pummel the Dallas Stars. He had been looking forward to this day for months and I was excited when he initially asked me to go with him (we had only been dating for about 2 weeks when he bought the tickets and asked if I would go with him. It's amazing how sure he was about me from day one!)

The above picture was brought to you the most talented picture-taker ever: My lovely momma! She was patient enough with Evan and I to take several pictures of us that day which was amazing!

Evan's wonderful mother sent the shirt I wore so I would be all decked out in Blues gear. She chose the perfect thing! Every word on the T-shirt was made of up several rhinestones. Perfection. It doesn't surprise me one bit because everything Evan has told me about her leads me to believe that we are a lot alike. So, no surprise that she would pick the perfect style for little 'ole me! Shout out to both of our amazing moms for trying to make our day even more special than it already was! You two are the best!

I wish I took a picture of the American Airlines Center just to post on here, but apparently I was lacking forethought that day. I kept saying to Evan, "I really wish I would have recorded that" or "Man, I should be taking more pictures!" Heaven knows that the boy doesn't take pictures of anything so he was relying on me to to be the photographer. Obviously that always puts pressure on me when we are out anywhere, but it's a burden I'm happy to bear! (And when I say "happy" that also includes teasing him relentlessly because he is so bad about taking pictures. It's the little things in life!)

All of that to say, the AAC is a lot bigger than I remember from my childhood. But we didn't get too close to it before I asked my man, "So, did you grab the tickets?" Evan gave me deer in the headlights look before saying, "No! I totally forgot them in the glove box!" We both sighed heavily and made the trek back to the ever so faithful Kia Soul where our tickets were waiting for us.

After we finally made it to the arena, we found our seats before exploring. We were only 10 rows behind the rink and that just made my Blues Fan giddy with excitement! Even though I'm not too into hockey, I'm always happy when he is happy.

 

I'm hoping that the above pictures do justice to how close we really were to the players. I've never been that close at any sporting event, so this was so special for me!

The first and second period seemed to go by quickly even though both teams were playing as if they were tired. When the third period rolled around it's like I was looking at two totally different teams. They both started acting like they were hungry to win on that early Texas evening. (I'm hoping you were playing a "Texas themed" shoot out tune in your head. That's how it was intended since I love all the Texas stereotypes.)

Above are just a couple of pictures I took right before the second period. I think these pictures do a better job of showing just how close we really were to the rink. It was awesome to be that close to the action and the players. (And speaking of Texas stereotypes, please ignore the random man in the cowboy hat. That is wrong on so many levels).

After a "scrappy" last period (remember that I know nothing about hockey. I just steal words that Evan says and use them when I think they're right. It's like a hockey word of the day calendar brought to you by Mr. Hockey himself.), the Blues came out with the win!

Above is the picture of the final score. I wanted to get a picture of my Blues Fan in front of it, but they erased it right after the conclusion of the game. I was bummed I didn't get that picture, but we all know the score and who was rooting for them! Speaking of...a little Gingersnap made it on TV that day! Take a look:

It was an awesome night with an awesome guy!

Blog Challenge, Day 7 & 8

Day 7: 10 Favorite Foods
1. McDonald's (Judge me. I dare you.)
2. Chocolate and Peanut Butter
3. Sour Creme and Onion Chips
4. BACON (Other than Chicken and Hamburgers, this is just about the only meat I'm okay with eating)
5. Hummus
6. Nutty Buddies (I think they are actually called "Nutter Bars", but my grandmother always called them Nutty Buddies)
7. Ramen (Who doesn't like this stuff?!)
8. Reeses Peanut Butter cups
9. Mr. Goodbar
10. Pasta
I honestly had no idea that so many things I like include chocolate and peanut butter. Not to mention, I'm very unhealthy, but I already knew that.

Day 8: Old Pictures of Me
I know, I know. I was a cutie pie.

Blog Challenge, Day 4, 5, & 6

I know, I know, I know! I started this challenge to keep myself honest so I would write every day. Hey, life happens! But I'm making up for it by doing a 3-in-one deal for you all today.

Day 4: Earliest Childhood Memory

My first memory is kinda blotchy--almost like a dream. I was probably 3 or 4 years old and I was playing "roll the ball" with one of my friends in church. WOW! Talk about a riveting first memory.

Since that memory is such a riot, I'll also share my most vivid childhood memory. This memory occurred was when I was on a plane with my family and my Dad was teaching me how to color the correct way. Maybe that's one reason why I'm such an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist. Who knows! But what I do know is that there is a correct and incorrect way to do everything. I strive my best to live my life in the "correct" camp as opposed the "incorrect". If you don't believe me, ask anyone who is close with me. They will all be 100% honest on how wonderfully-crazy I am.


Day 5: My Guilty Pleasure

This question is extremely easy to say, so I'll just show you.

Yes, I love all things Bachelor. The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise (I wish they would bring back Bachelor Pad!), you name it I like it. I have been known to pick up magazines just because The Bachelor(ette) and/or a contestant is on the cover. I know, I'm so strange! However, there are a few blogs that keep me entertained during the season as well as the off season: Reality Steve, and Sharleen Joynt.

Reality Steve is the official spoiler of all things Bachelor. If you're like me and can't wait till the finale, his site is the place for you. He doesn't only spoil, but he does so in such a unique way that it becomes it's own form of entertainment. I would recommend his site to anyone watching the show.

Sharleen Joynt is a previous contestant from Juan Pablo's season of The Bachelor. Her site has a strict no spoil zone, but she gives a lot of background information on the show that only a previous contestant would know.

If you're obsessed with this franchise like I am, give these two blogs a try. They keep me engaged during the season!


Day 6: Three Personal Traits I'm Proud of

I'm not gonna lie--it's super awkward for me to brag about myself.

I wear many hats well
Daughter, Granddaughter, Girlfriend, Sister, etc. I wear many hats with my family, friends, co-workers and I believe I do so very well. I try my best to give 100% to everyone in my life who needs me. Hopefully they feel the same.

I'm a leader
I've always marched to a different drummer and that's the way I like it. I have a different view on life and for some reason that's appealing to many people. I've never asked to be followed, but I have been told (on more than one occasion) that I'm a natural leader. Apparently that's appealing? Once again, who knows?!

I'm not afraid to speak my mind
This is a good trait sometimes. I have been known to take it to a level that it should go to.


I'll try to do better about writing consistently!

Blog Challenge, Day 2: 20 facts about me

Hola!

Hopefully you don't find my 20 facts aren't too dull!

1. My full first name is Kathlynn
2. I have a dog named Jewels aka Ju Ju aka Ju. She is a faux West Highland Terrier
3. I drive a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport
4. My Jeep's name is Eureka
5. I have one sibling, an older brother named Caden
6. My parents have been married nearly 26 years and are still madly in love
7. I live in Texas
8. My favorite candy bars are Reese's and Mr. Goodbar
9. I binge watch TV shows on Netflix constantly
10. I'm currently in the middle of The Office
11. My boyfriend, Evan, is a ginger
12. I call him Gingersnap
13. My boyfriend's nicknames for me are Kate, Katie and Kat
14. My Mom's nickname for me is Kake
15. I get very anxious at times
16. Cleaning, breathing exercises, writing, and someone rubbing my arm helps to calm me down
17. When I get tired I tend to get loopy and emotional
18. I have severe allergies in the Fall and Spring
19. My best friend and I have the same name
20. I'm obsessed with painting my nails

Blog Challenge: Day 1

Hey Everybody!

I haven't been very faithful with blogging recently, so I've decided to take on a 31 day challenge to help get myself motivated!

I'm not sure what blogger hasn't introduced themselves on their personal blog, but you can find out more about me here.  I'm looking forward to tomorrow where I will give 20 facts about myself.  Woohoo!

High Heels, High Standards: Boy vs Man

Good morning Chickies!

I've been on quite a few dates in my time and with that comes getting to know a lot of different types of guys.  Tall guys, short guys, blue-eyed guys, brown-eyed guys, meat heads, brainiacs--you name it, I've probably been out with the type at least once. (Looking through that list I'm not sure whether to brag or be embarrassed).  But through those experiences I've learned to differentiate between the bad guys and the good guys (although, I have been fooled quite a few times in the dating world).  So, today I'm going to combine two things that I love: lists and dating.  Enjoy!

I have personal experiences with some of these instances which is why I'm so passionate about this post.  And while reading, remember: these circumstances are based on committed relationships, not "flings".  

His Past:

Boy:
He revels in his past and stews in it. You look through his Facebook/Instagram/Twitter and all you see are pictures of him partying or hanging on girls (this makes him look good in front of his bros).  He is constantly trying to re-live his glory days and has no problem telling you.  Whether has past was good or bad, he can't seem to let it go.

Man:
He looks at the mistakes he has made in his past and learns from them. They aren't something he brags about, but things he looks back on as experiences that made him the man he is.  A man doesn't try to erase his past experiences; however, he is sensitive to your feelings in regards to his past (this goes for relationships as well as experiences).

It's your birthday:

Boy:
He probably forgot about your birthday and made a plan with his bros. What's important to you is never important to him.  Major holidays, anniversaries and birthdays constantly pass without him even acknowledging their existence.

Man:
He may not have planned a big, extravagant surprise or present, but he at least wants to spend the day with you.  He constantly wants you to feel special and makes sure you know you are (this doesn't just stop on your birthday). This could be something as simple as giving you flowers, making you dinner, giving you a back rub, etc.  If you're with a man he will know just what to do to make you feel special.

Family/Friends:

Boy:
He doesn't care to be around the people who are most important to you.  He would rather be hanging out with his own friends instead of trying to endear himself to your loved ones. Boys are very selfish overall.

Man:
He wants your family and friends to love him.  A man wants those closest to you to know how cherished you are. A man will put your family and friends' minds at ease and then end result will be positive.

"Feelings":

Boy:
He doesn't care how you feel and he doesn't bother telling you how he feels. A boy is very closed off and doesn't see the need to sharing feelings with you.

Man:
Men aren't "touchy feely", but a man tries his best to protect his woman's feelings. If she is hurt, he tries to find the root of the problem.  Men are fixers.

Future Plans:

Boy:
He has no direction for his life. He is constantly living in the "here and now" and has no goals in mind for his future. A boy does not have a five year plan, but will make you think he does. Boys are great at manipulating girls because they "only want one thing".

Man:
He knows just what he wants and he won't stop until his goals are achieved. He works hard at everything he does and puts 100% into his dreams. He won't jump into anything before he is ready because he wants to be the best husband, father, co-worker and/or boss that he can be.


Until next time,

Kat

The Holiday Express: Valentine's Day

Good Morning Chickies!

I'm very sorry for my absence, but between balancing school, work, family and my boyfriend, I've been swamped! My dear friend, Becca, reminded me I need to start blogging once again, so I've decided to oblige.

There are two people in this world: Those who love Valentine's day, and whose who hate Valentine's day.  Knowing I'm a huge girly-girl I'm sure most of you can guess which side of the fence I'm on when it comes to Valentine's day.  Of course I love it!  I love the colors, the season, the flowers.  You name it, I love it.  I just wanted to give a play-by-play of my Valentine's Day just so I could publicly give props to my wonderful partner in crime, Evan.  He knows how important days like this are to me, so he tried his best to make me feel special.  Here is what my day looked like on February 14, 2015:

Every Saturday morning I have breakfast with my parents and then I go grocery shopping with my Mom.  I'm a creature of habit, so there is very little elbow room when it comes to my daily schedule.  So, when my mom nudged me awake at 6:00 am on a Saturday (I usually get up at 3:30 every day, so sleeping in until 7:00 on a Saturday is what I live for) I was shocked, but I knew something was up.  "Why are you waking me up so early?  Are we not eating breakfast together?  What's going on?" My poor mom didn't want to ruin Evan's surprise, so she just said, "you're not having breakfast with us.  Just make sure you're ready by 7:30."

This is the moment where my anxiety starts kicking in.  Of course I know it's nothing bad, but the control freak inside of me keeps saying: you don't know what's going to happen today.  Evan knows you hate surprises.  Why would he do this to you?!  I know, it's stupid, but I always get overly anxious when I'm not in control of any given situation.  I like to know what's going to happen, when it's happening and what time it ends.  If I could, I would plan things a year or more in advance.  Yes, I'm that crazy.  Judge me!

Anyway, at 7:30 my doorbell rings and it's Evan.  He is sporting the matching Guardians of the Galaxy T-shirt I got him for Valentine's Day (yes, I love to match.  Once again, judge me!).  After I give him the biggest hug ever, we are on our way to the best Valentine's day I've had!  He starts driving back to his apartment so he can make me a homemade breakfast (he knows I love it when he cooks for me!  He is way better than I am!) of bacon and eggs.  Poor Evan has such a hard time pleasing my taste buds since I'm so picky, but he did his best trying to make me extra crispy bacon and perfect eggs.  While he is doing this, I'm instructed "to relax and watch whatever I want on TV or Netflix".  Without hesitation or complaints I flip on Hitch and snuggle under a blanket while Evan spoils me.

From there, we went to the Fort Worth Zoo and had a blast (the picture above is us driving there)!  It was really crowded because it was a very nice day here in Texas.  By 1:00 it was 85 degrees!  Here are some pictures of the fun time that was had at the zoo:

I just wanna say "thank you" to that wonderful lady who photo-bombed this picture.  You're famous lady. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame on my page.  

This picture is us entering the zoo.  You can't see it here, but it was so crowded that we could barely move around.  Not to mention, my Map Genius didn't grab a map of the zoo on the way inside.  He felt so blind without a map. 

We got really close to a few animals, but they were all sleeping (except for the baby elephants and the giraffes).  That's what happens when summer comes early in Texas I guess!  I got lucky and Evan posed for a few pictures for me!  What a guy!

  

We even spotted 10 gingers while we were at the zoo.  TEN!  I kept telling Evan that gingers must be in season.  Or it could be that now I'm with a ginger I see them everywhere.  It's just like when I got my Jeep, now I see Jeeps everywhere.  Eh, food for thought.

That boy loves maps more than anyone I have ever met in my life.  The above pictures are some candid shots I took of Evan examining a couple of maps at the zoo.  If only we wouldn't have forgotten to get the map of the zoo itself.  *sigh*

All in all, we had a wonderful time at the zoo (other than the crowds) and I couldn't have asked for a better guy to go exploring with!  After the zoo we had a typical "Katie 'n' Evan day" at his apartment.  He pampered me with steak, potatoes and wonderful company.  At the end of the night I was so relaxed that I took a late night nap for two hours before he drove me back home.  He always knows just what to do to calm my anxiety and he tries his best to protect me from everyone and everything (including myself).

Thank you for an amazing Valentine's Day, baby! You're the best thing to happen to me in a long time!  I can't wait for even more days like that to come!


Until next time,

This Girl's awesome Valentines