And the trend continues...

Almost eight months since the last entry. Is that a new record? Ha ha. In my defense, things have been really hectic over the last six months or so. We've had many changes in our lives, some expected and welcome, and some...well, not so much. But that's life for you. Anyway, I am now retired. I got selected for promotion to CW4 right before I started my terminal leave and I seriously considered staying in and taking the promotion, but after long hard thought, I decided to make the leap and get out even though it would have been more financially beneficial to stay in. I just had to decide what I wanted more... the extra money or the chance to start my new life and spend some time with Allissa before she heads out into the world. If I had stayed in I would have deployed for a year plus and I just couldn't do it. I've already missed so much. I want to enjoy the last bit of time I have left with her before she moves out. Anyway, I got a part time job in New Mexico which I really enjoy. My co-workers are great and we all get along well. One of them is someone I worked with for a bit in the Army and it was really nice to have someone I already knew there to help me get settled in. I had a lot going on then and he was a real lifesaver. I had never been to New Mexico before - just driven through on I-10 heading out to Arizona. It's so different from where I live, but I love the mountains and Santa Fe is close and is a nice little city. Except for being away from Allissa, I always look forward to going to work. I also like that when I am at home I have a lot of free time to spend with her and get things done around the house. We moved into the new house at the end of May/beginning of June. I had about two weeks between the time we moved in and the time I was due to start my new job which worked out perfectly. I was able to get pretty much everything unpacked and put away before I had to go to work although every time I go home it seems there's a project I need to work on to finish getting things the way I want it. The last two trips home, I spend working on the flower beds. When they put them in, they neglected to put down weed barrier and I was tired of dealing with a jungle every time I got home. I was going to pay someone to do it, but neither of the people who were supposed to give me estimates gave me one in a timely manner so I figured I would just save the money and do it myself. So, I went to Lowe's and got everything I needed and tackled it on my own. It wasn't that difficult, just very tedious and laborious, so I did regret not having someone do it for me at times, but I figured I needed the exercise anyway. It looks pretty darn good, if I may say so myself. I chose black mulch which looks fantastic now that it's all done. I'd like to put river rock in, but it's kind of expensive, so I'll probably hold off on that for a bit. I probably could have gotten it all done in one trip, but I had to go to my 20 year high school reunion. Sheesh, am I getting old or what? lol I had a good time and it was the first time my sisters and I have all been together in a few years, so that was nice. We spent a bit of time being catty about who was looking old and wrinkly. A little mean-spirited, I know, but I am completely sure they were doing the same thing to us. Besides, some of them were real b*****s back then, so I don't feel that bad about gossiping about them. There was this one girl who kept walking past our table and giving us the evil eye. I don't even remember having anything to do with her in high school, so who knows what that was about. Whatever. She was definitely looking a bit worse for wear. meow! Well, enough of that.
We got a new puppy. He is the cutest thing! Allissa wanted a dog that was hers since Charley is more attached to me.

Allissa and Kenny

Of course, now whenever I am home both dogs sleep with me. Allissa is starting to complain that now Kenny is attached to me too, but I am NOT getting another dog! I think it's just that I am more affectionate with them than she is. I'm always playing with them and petting them and they pretty much follow me around the house. I'd like to get a cat now that I can, but Charley has always chased cats whenever he sees them, so I'm not sure it would be a wise move. I'd hate to get a cat and have him hurt it.

Kenny snoozing in his favorite spot.

Well, that's about it for now. More later. I'll post some photos of the house when I get home or you could just look on my Facebook page. I think you can look me up by name or e-mail address. Good-bye!