Where Have We Been?

I can answer my title two ways, so here goes....

Here's the quick answer. We've just been chilling out in our "vacation" home in Tennessee. We've been getting a even better glimpse of what our "new normal" will look like. We've talked a little bit more about what we're going to do after the Army lets us come home for good.

Here's the long answer. Our trip to OK was quick but super busy. We needed time to recover from that. I especially did. I haven't had to do that much for Chaz in a long time I forgot how exhausting it was. We have our home in MD and in TN set up for him so I can sit back and let him be independent. Traveling can be very frustrating. Some times it is really hard to get your brain back to the old ways. But traveling makes me appreciate how far our little family has come in our healing.

Before we left DC, we were asked to fly over to Bristol, TN to represent Veterans Airlift Command at an event there. First it was a huge honor to represent VAC. Second I haven't been to Bristol in years so it was nice to see that side of the state. Third it was nice for Chaz and I to do something kind of like a date. We met a lot of great people there and hopefully we encouraged some new pilots, donors, etc to join the VAC team and bless many more families.

After our "date" to Bristol. I had to get back into mom mode and get some things done. I bought the girls a little (totally perfect for them) pool for the back yard. We are leaving the girls here with my mom for a bit and I wanted them to have something to do so Grannie can have some quiet time. We had to finish Deryn's math for the year and we built a volcano. We will make it erupt today.

Then I had to make a trip to my doctor. I have a series of health problems that have to be managed. So I go to my doctor every time we get into TN. Let's put it to you this way, I could file for disability if I wanted to. My doctor laughs at me every time I come in because I won't let my health problems get in my way. I am very proactive when it comes to my health. I plan to be around having a ton of fun for a very long time. Anywho back to the reason I went to the doctor, I want to run the Army Ten Miler with my hubby and friends in DC in October. I knew this was a Dr discussion from the time I had the thought of signing up for the ATM. My Dr immediately said "no running." She highly emphasized the no so we had to have a talk. She told me it would take me 2-3 years with my health to "run" the ATM. But I have really long legs and it turns out I walk at 4mph pace, so she gave me a diet and training plan and I got to it that day. I am pleased to report I walked 6 miles last night in 1 hour and 38 minutes. I have 3 hours to finish the ATM, so you can see I am good to go. And I feel great, I am tired, but that's nothing new.

Then comes my job. I love my job. When my health got really bad a few years ago, I had to quit my job with H&R Block. Chaz and I had a long talk after my long talk with the doctor. Then the IRS and I had a long talk and that's when I decided to begin my own business. See this is proof health problems can produce blessings. I love being my own boss. I love my clients. I love helping them succeed. I love being their easy button. Well the IRS has issued several regulations for tax preparers like myself. I am very happy with these changes. Those of us who are serious about helping people with their taxes and aren't just out to make money will be the only survivors come December 31, 2013. (That's our compliance deadline). I don't like things lurking around so I am getting compliant now. Since June 7, I have completed 36 hours of continuing education courses for the IRS. Now I just have to sit for their exam.

In the middle of my course, we skipped down to McMinnville to surprise Demetria. My sister, brother-in-law, Chaz and I were all in on this one. Demetria is such an amazing, generous and thoughtful person. I wish we could give her more to thank her for everything she has done. Her surprise was just great. We lured her there with my sister telling her it was a surprise for Chaz and I, then bam my sister dropped the surprise on her. Luckily our friend got a picture of the exact moment Demetria realized what we had done. She more than deserves the Humanitarian of the Year award. She started Team Allen to help us and now there is absolutely no telling how many lives she has blessed with her idea. I am so thankful that my sister and brother-in-law conjured this one up.

Then comes bunco. I hosted 11 of my friends for an awesome three rounds of dice rolling fun the other night. Demetria came up and helped me get ready for all of it. But she had to get back home and couldn't hang out with the other "cackling hens." This is my friend's hubby's nick name for us. I was over due with a few hours of great fun with some great friends that I totally do not get to see enough of anymore. Over the past few weeks, I have tossed in ADE's recital and a few breakfasts, lunches and dinners, oh and starbucks with great friends who could not make it to bunco. This past two weeks has been action packed but we have had an amazing time.

And now we have to go back again. I have to admit I have acclimated to both worlds. I think that hardest part is that I know when I get to DC I have to fight again. There's always a battle to be fought there. I had a nice little vacation and now I am ready for whatever round I am on now! ;)